The Calgary Flames have determined their backup plan.
Ivan Prosvetov was placed on the NHL’s waiver wire Thursday, a necessity so he can be assigned to the AHL’s Wranglers.
That means that Devin Cooley will start the season as the Flames’ second-string netminder.
“Now, the work really begins. You never take your foot off the gas,” Cooley told reporters after Thursday’s practice at the Saddledome. “It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m really grateful and I’m definitely not going to take it for granted.
“Every day that you can spend in this league and especially wearing the C and playing for the city of Calgary, it’s just an absolute honour and I’m really excited.”
The Flames’ other positional battles also came into focus with Thursday’s waiver news. Forward Rory Kerins and defenceman Ilya Solovyov will be demoted to the Wranglers as long as they clear, which is good news for both Matvei Gridin and Zayne Parekh as those teenagers try to clinch a spot on the opening roster.
The 28-year-old Cooley didn’t exactly shine in three pre-season appearances, posting a 4.08 goals-against average and .846 save percentage, but the Flames must believe he will be a more trustworthy complement to workhorse starter Dustin Wolf.
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It should be noted that Prosvetov’s stats in exhibition weren’t a whole lot better. In three appearances, he finished with a 3.96 GAA and .875 save percentage.
While Prosvetov had several suitors as a free agent this summer, those numbers likely will cool any interest on waivers.
Cooley so far has six nights of NHL experience, all with the San Jose Sharks toward the end of the 2023-24 campaign.