Flames plan to start Dustin Wolf in AHL if Vladar trade doesn’t materialize
The Calgary Flames plan to keep top goaltending prospect Dustin Wolf in the American Hockey League to start the 2023–24 season if both Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vladar remain with the team, Daily Faceoff‘s Frank Seravalli reported Thursday.
Wolf, 22, is the reigning AHL MVP and the league’s back-to-back goaltender of the year. The Gilroy, CA product posted a 42–10–2 record, seven shutouts, and a .932 save percentage in 55 games with the Calgary Wranglers in 2022–23.
Although Wolf made 23 saves on 24 shots for a win in his NHL debut with the Flames in the spring, he remains the club’s No. 3 goaltender behind the more experienced (and expensive) Markstrom and Vladar. Seravalli caught up with new Flames general manager Craig Conroy in Calgary on Thursday and asked him about the team’s goaltending situation.
Quote and context from #Flames GM Craig Conroy on Calgary's goaltending situation. ⬇️
Full interview drops next week on Frankly Speaking podcast, with more from coach Ryan Huska, Jonathan Huberdeau and new captain Mikael Backlund. pic.twitter.com/RlZoXp9hxP
“You know, the one thing I watch every day is all three goalies and they’re dialled in,” Conroy said. “I think when you see Vladar go into Seattle [in Monday’s 3–2 preseason victory], some of the saves, winning the game, and I’m thinking, ‘We’re in a good spot.’
“I feel very comfortable in our goaltending,” Conroy added. “You know, obviously it’s a position of power or good feelings for me right now. So, you know, I’m not going to rush and do anything. I want to make sure.”
Markstrom and Vladar excelled with the Flames in the 2021–22 season, with Markstrom being named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as one of the league’s top goaltenders. But both goaltenders faltered in 2022–23, with Markstrom posting an .892 save percentage and Vladar recording an .895.
The Flames could also stand to clear up some cap space. Markstrom has three years remaining on his deal at a $6 million annual cap hit; Vladar costs $2.2 million for the next two seasons. Wolf has one more year at a mere $813,333 cap hit on his entry-level contract.
Wolf has been his team’s workhorse for the last four seasons, dating back to his stellar tenure with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips. He’d be a lock to remain in that role in a return to the Wranglers in 2023–24, but he’d most likely be a backup with the Flames.
“The one thing about having a young goaltender, you still want him to play,” Conroy said. “He needs to play and not just sit on the bench and watch practice. It’s a learning experience, but you also need to get that game time.
“So, you know, with Dustin, he’s waivers exempt,” Conroy continued. “To be able to go down, I mean, we’re in a good situation with the three goalies and you just feel like you don’t want to hurt yourself by just making a move to make a move.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche are currently in need of a goaltender with Andrei Vasilevskiy and Pavel Francouz both slated to start the season on the injured list. Of the Flames’ top three goaltenders, Vladar would seem the likeliest to move, but Conroy isn’t aching to break up his current tandem.
“I think the the two guys that were here in the years’ past are really dialled in. I mean, they look sharp,” Conroy said. “So it’s tough to say we’re going to change something. But, you know, things happen. There’s injuries for other teams and you’re always looking at all your options.”
— With files from Frank Seravalli.