Daniel Vladar
Position: G
Current Team: Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL
Date of Birth: July 18, 1997
Place of Birth: LaSalle, QC, Canada
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: Right
Daniel Vladar is hard to miss. His 6’5″frame seemingly fills the net — or anything else he happens to be near, for that matter. At only age 17, he still has plenty of time to fill out that frame with a bit more bulk than his current 185 pounds, but he’s a goalie, not a defenseman, so that filling out is far less critical. What is more critical is his speed, quickness and ability to keep the puck out of the net. That he can do with astonishing success for such a youngster.
After posting very solid numbers for the U-20 club, he received a mid-season promotion to HC Kladno’s parent club. Though he only appeared in eight games there, his numbers improved over the lower league, posting a 1.97 GAA and a .933 save percentage. Not bad, eh?
He is ranked #2 among European goalies by NHL Central Scouting.
A Good Fit in Columbus?
I’ll say it again. You can never have too many solid goaltending prospects in your organization. I would expect Vladar to go in the late second or early third round, right about the spot that the Blue Jackets have multiple selections. Unless there is a compelling choice to make at another position, Vladar would be a nice addition to the fold, and would provide some healthy competition for the likes of Anton Forsberg and Oscar Dansk.
Vladar Up Close
Here is a very brief clip of Vladar making a nice save in a shootout situation. He does look big in the net.