Bruins Sign Goaltender Daniel Vladar To Entry-Level Contract
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Bruins have agreed to a three-year entry-level contract with goaltender and 2015 third-round pick Daniel Vladar, the team announced in a news release Tuesday.
The 6-foot-6, 185-pound Vladar played the 2015-16 season with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League, finishing with a 12-12-4 record and 2.31 goals against average, which ranked fifth in the USHL.
The Bruins drafted Vladar, a Czech Republic native, with the 75th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, making him the fourth goalie taken that year. With Jonas Gustavsson set to become a free agent, the Bruins could need a new backup goalie. However, Vladar, who turns 19 on August 20, is more likely to be developed in the minors in the immediate future. Providence goalie Zane McIntyre, who coincidentally has the same birthday as Vladar, will be 24 next season and should be in the mix at the backup spot.
Former first-round pick Malcolm Subban, who fractured his larynx in February, might not be ready for the start of next season, which could force the Bruins to explore options in free agency.
"We have to take a look at the backup goaltending situation," Neely said at his season-ending press conference. "With Subban's injury this year, that kind of threw a wrinkle in."
Rask's immediate future in Boston may be safe, but it's clear that the Bruins are investing in the future at the goaltending position and could give a glimpse of it at the backup spot. If the Bruins didn't motivate Rask enough to be better next season, their recent moves could.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.