The first week of the 2025-26 NHL season is finally here, and Elliotte Friedman provided a couple updates on where things stand for the Calgary Flames on the latest episode of 32 thoughts. In particular the insider notes the Flames may be in the market for a goaltender.
In the market for a goaltender?
It’s no secret that the Calgary Flames backup goaltender position has been an issue in preseason. After letting Dan Vladar walk in free agency, Craig Conroy signed Ivan Prosvetov from Russia in hopes he could take over the role behind Dustin Wolf. Unfortunately Prosvetov really struggled in preseason action, which led to him hitting waivers a few days ago and now sitting in the AHL. The bad news is Devin Cooley hasn’t been any better and the Flames are now stuck with no good options behind Wolf with the season just a couple days away.
With multiple goaltenders hitting waivers recently, here’s what Friedman had to say about the Flames backup goaltender position.
“I’ll tell you one team people are wondering about is Calgary. We all know who their number one is, but neither Cooley or Prosvetov had great preseasons. I kind of wonder if Calgary might take a shot at somebody here. It’s just is the timing right with what they have?”
Some of the more notable names currently available if the Flames are looking to add a new backup are Michael DiPietro, Kaapo Kahkonen, Nico Daws, and Mads Sogaard. All four of the aforementioned names have more NHL experience than Prosvetov and Cooley and could be upgrades behind Wolf. If the Flames do indeed claim a goaltender today, expect Cooley to be sent down to the Wranglers soon after.
A position in flux
With both Prosvetov and Cooley struggling in a big way this preseason, the Flames are staring down a major issue behind Wolf. The team will need to pray Cooley can bounce back and shake off a rough preseason, or hope to add a new goaltender off waivers.
Related