Flames extension for Wolf provides timeline for expectations

Dustin Wolf’s accomplishments are impressive. But for the Calgary Flames’ likely starting goalie this season, they’ve all played in the minor leagues or major junior.

The 23-year-old Wolf was given a two-year contract worth an average of $850,000 by the franchise, which had enough confidence in him to accept the “small” goalie as their seventh-round pick in 2019.

They watched as he exceeded expectations and flourished in the American Hockey League with the Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers and hope he can do the same with the NHL Flames.

He was the AHL’s Goalie of the Year as a rookie in 2021-11 and dominated again in 2022-23 – leading the league in wins (42), shutouts (seven), goals-against average (2.09) and save percentage (.932). Not only did he win the Outstanding Goalie award for the second straight season, he also earned the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL’s Most Valuable Player.

(The Flames’ press release announcing the new deal reminded everyone that the last AHL goalie to win the MVP award was current Flames goaltending coach Jason LaBarbera, 20 years ago in 2004.)

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Battling injuries and a front-office philosophy that gave the prospect a chance to see more action in the NHL last season, Wolf did what he could for a team that traded half of its starting defense and began a rebuild.

The Gilroy, Calif. native played 17 games for the Flames with mixed results. His 7-7-1 record was bolstered by a strong finish — with four straight wins in his last four starts.

The first year of Wolf’s new contract is a two-way street, but there’s little competition for reps right now as Dan Vladar is fresh off hip surgery and offseason signing Devin Cooley is still a lesser known figure in the NHL.

The new two-year deal should give the Flames plenty of insight into what Wolf can actually do, even with a group of less impressive skaters ahead of him.

If so, the monetary value will be much higher. Given his history, it would be unwise to bet against him, despite his smaller stature.