The Colorado Avalanche’s need for goaltending stability has intensified after a disastrous 8-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this week. The image of Alexandar Georgiev snapping after allowing another goal was all over the Internet and it’s clear the Avs have a real question there.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes Calgary Flames netminder Dan Vladar could be the answer.
Speaking on Daily Faceoff Live, Seravalli suggested Colorado target Vladar to address their goaltending concerns, proposing a second-round pick as the likely cost.
When asked if John Gibson or another netminder might be of interest to the Avalanche, Seravalli asked, “Why not go get Dan Vladar from the Calgary Flames? He’s been excellent so far.”
He added the Flames would be just as happy to run with Devin Cooley as the backup to Dustin Wolf for the rest of the season if Calgary could get what they need in a Vladar trade.
Wolf, 23, is emerging as their goalie of the present and a future star. Cooley is posting stellar numbers in the AHL. Vladar, 27, has performed solidly since rebounding from hip surgery, with a 2.67 goals-against average and .903 save percentage this season. There’s no need for the Flames to keep all three.
With Vladar’s contract expiring this summer, the writing is on the wall anyway.
Avalanche Only Have So Much Money to Spend
The Avalanche, operating with $4.6 million in LTIR cap space, might need to make additional moves to fit Vladar under their cap. Still, his $2.2 million hit is manageable, and his playoff experience could provide a boost to a team desperate to solidify its crease.
The Flames acquired Vladar from Boston in 2021 for a third-round pick, and flipping him for a higher draft asset would be a win for Calgary. For Colorado, landing Vladar could help stabilize a goaltending duo of Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen that has struggled at times this season.
