Flames recall top goaltender prospect

The Calgary Flames recalled top goalie prospect Dustin Wolf from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers on Thursday, per a team release.

Wolf is regarded as one of the best netminding prospects in the entire NHL, alongside the Minnesota Wild’s Jesper Wallstedt. The 22-year-old has won the Baz Bastien Memorial Award for the AHL’s best goaltender in both of his two pro seasons with the Wranglers, posting a remarkable .927 SV%, 2.24 GAA, eight shutouts, and 82-21-7 record since turning pro in 2021.

The Gilroy, California-born netminder also won the WHL’s Del Wilson Trophy for the league’s best goalie in back-to-back seasons before turning pro and was named the CHL’s Goaltender of the Year in 2020, so the 2019 seventh-round pick has already racked up quite the trophy count despite playing just one NHL game to date. That lone appearance came on April 12, 2023, stopping 23 of 24 shots en route to a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks (thanks to an unlikely hat trick from defenseman Nikita Zadorov).

This recall does not signal the upcoming trade of current Flames backup goalie Daniel Vladar, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. Instead, Wolf has been summoned as injury insurance to either Vladar or starter Jacob Markström during the team’s upcoming three-game Eastern Canada road swing. The youngster is traveling to Toronto today to meet the rest of the team ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Maple Leafs.

However, it would not be surprising to see Wolf get one start during the trip, likely against the Ottawa Senators or Montreal Canadiens. Both Markström and Vladar have again struggled this season, especially the latter, who has a .844 SV% and 4.00 GAA through three starts. Markström is also tracking to have his second straight below-average season with a .896 SV% and a 2-6-1 record in nine starts.

Wolf, meanwhile, is off to another good start for the Wranglers. His .924 SV% ranks top-15 in the league through six games, and his five wins are tied for the league lead. To make room on the 23-man roster, forward Dryden Hunt was assigned to the Wranglers yesterday after clearing waivers.