Calgary Flames announce season-ending surgery for Top Goalender

Despite playing very few games this season, the Calgary Flames have now officially announced that goaltender Dan Vladar will be undergoing season-ending hip surgery.

This coincides with the official return of Jacob Markstrom, who will return for the remainder of the season alongside rookie Dustin Wolf, who will spend the remainder of the season auditioning for the starting role going forward.

26-year old Vladar started 19 games this season, having his worst season in the NHL with an .882 save percentage alongside a 3.62 GAA, as he struggled to get a chance at a consistent role given Markstrom's Vezina level play. Vladar has one-year remaining on his contract with a $2.2 million cap hit, and while he's been solid in his role, the Flames vision of his future could play a key role in how they handle the position moving forward.

With the Flames likely out of the playoff race at this point, the best move is to start Wolf going forward, but with Markstrom expected to be a potential trade candidate this summer, the veteran will no doubt see plenty of game time. As for Vladar, we've seen him flash plenty of potential, but as of yet, he has yet to find the consistency that would give him an opportunity at a starting role in the NHL. That's what Calgary will have to weigh up going forward, whether or not he'll be the right backup behind Wolf if they trade Markstrom, but for now, we wish him the best and hope he gets back to full health ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.