Flames make a big move in goal today

This just in, the Calgary Flames have recalled goaltender Dustin Wolf from the AHL's Calgary Wranglers.

Check it out:

From the Flames' official announcement:

he Calgary Flames announce today they have recalled goaltender Dustin Wolf from the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League. 

Wolf, a native of Gilroy, California has played in six games this season for the Wranglers, recording a .924 save percentage, a 2.34 GAA and is tied for first with a league-best five wins. 

Wolf is coming off a 2022-23 campaign where he led the AHL in wins (42), shutouts (7), GAA (2.09), and SV% (.932). The 22-year-old was named the AHL’s Goaltender of the Year in both of his two professional seasons and took home the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL’s most valuable player this past year. 

Wolf made his NHL debut last season on April 12th, making 23 saves in a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. He was Calgary’s 7th round selection (214th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft

So, why's this a big deal?

Well the Flames already have starter Jacob Markstrom and backup Dan Vladar are very much entrenched in the team's goalie crease so Wolf's recall might point to a much bigger move from Flames GM Craig Conroy.

There have been rumors that Conroy has been shopping Vladar on the trade market in hopes that he can secure a draft pick or prospects for the 26 year old netminder.

Of course, there's always the possibility that Conroy is lining up a much, much, MUCH bigger deal involving Markstrom. If that's the case, the Flames would be putting their immediate and long-term future solely in the hands of Wolf. The 22 year old looks like the real deal, twice winning the AHL's 'goalie of the year' award but... well... nothing is a certainty when it comes to goaltending. The list of AHL goalies of the year who amounted to nothing in the NHL is a long list. I'm not saying Wolf is cut from that same cloth, but he's far from a sure bet at this point in his career.

Stay tuned, Flames fans. Something big could be brewing here.