Vladar is worth a 2nd. Why? Because he does not have a limited value. He has the skill and last year, his second in the league as a regular, was an anomaly for him. Just as it was for the team in front of him.
Any player is worth what a team will pay for them based upon supply and demand.
In order to generate demand you would first need to have multiple teams interested in Vladar.
I believe right now there is limited interest from 3 teams. By limited I mean they are willing to see what he could become in a 1B or strictly platoon/backup role.
The team with the most interest is the Toronto Maple Leafs and it’s strictly because Treliving has this idea you must have goalies who are 6’4” plus to excel in the position.
Dustin Wolf WAS NOT Brad Treliving picks.
Dustin Wolf as well as 2023 6th round pick Yegor Yegorov were specifically picks that were fought for by the flames goalie coach and goalie scout team.
Both Wolf and Yegorov have the potential to be a solid 1/2 for the flames.
How Yegorov flew through the scouting ranks completely is something unusual. 6’3” Russian born English speaking goalie that has decent size and high end speed and athleticism.
I think more and more teams are discovering you find your #1 goalies in the 3-7th Rounds as you never know what you have for a good +3-4 draft years anyways.
Ironically every goalie the flames take in the 1st round and even 2nd rounds typically end up absolutely busting so makes sense you use the picks with no value.
That said anyone looking at Vladar also has a dozen other similar goalies to choose from with a lower cost of acquisition.
So no I doubt you get a 2nd for Vladar.
The very top end I feel is likely a 3rd and a 3rd for him.
I feel 2 3rd round picks is really solid value. When he was acquired I don’t think the team had the feeling Dustin Wolf would be top prospect in the NHL.
Sadly Calgary easily could have moved into the top 10 or higher in the draft in 2023 but the cost would be Wolf.
Outside of the top 3 this year there likely isn’t any prospects worth more as Wolf is viewed as a sure thing right now.
Vladar definitely is not.