Calgary Flames: Five Goaltenders Who Would Make Flames Contenders

1. Jacob Markstrom

The Vancouver Canucks nearly climbing back from a 3-1 deficit in the second round of the postseason could turn out to be a blessing for the Calgary Flames. How? Because of the emergence of Thatcher Demko.

The Canucks have leaned heavily on Jacob Markstrom in goal for the past three seasons. Demko served as his backup this season and though he wasn’t tremendous in the regular season, he was flat out unbeatable in the postseason.

Demko played four games against the Golden Knights and posted a ridiculous 0.64 GAA and a .985 SV%. Will that give the Canucks confidence they can count on the 24 year old to be their starter next season? If so, that means they are going to allow the 30 year old Markstrom to leave as a free agent.

If Markstrom becomes a free agent, he needs to be the number one priority for the Calgary Flames. He has been consistently good for the Canucks since he started playing on a regular basis in 2015. He hasn’t been putting up the greatest numbers in the league, but he’s been above average each season on a team that was not close to average.

The Swedish netminder can carry a heavy workload if needed, but would likely play a bit less than he has been forced to in Vancouver. This would help him stay rested and ready to go when playoff time arrives. He had a .919 SV% and a 2.85 GAA this postseason, once again being above average with that save percentage while the team was not the stingiest defensively in front of him.

If the division rival Canucks allow Markstrom to hit the open market in just over two weeks, the Flames should be the first team to call. The “go with the hot hand” method has worked okay for the Flames the past few years. However, they need a guy they can go to when the season is on the line. Markstrom would be an excellent fit.