Flames' Goalies Could Be NHL’s Best Tandems
The Calgary Flames might be heading into a season of transition, with a roster that feels more like a work in progress than a contender. Yet while questions swirl around the forwards and defense, there’s one part of this team that doesn’t need a worry line in the scouting report: the crease. Dustin Wolf and Devin Cooley have quietly turned what could have been a rebuild headache into a rare luxury — a goaltending tandem that can compete with anyone in the NHL.
The Flames Signed Wolf to a Seven-Year Deal
Let’s start with Dustin Wolf. He’s the reason Calgary invested $52.5 million in a seven-year deal, and for good reason. Wolf has been one of the most decorated goaltenders outside the NHL, a Calder finalist, and a technically polished netminder who can dominate in high-pressure moments. He’s big, agile, and reads the play like a chess master on skates. Sure, he’s going through a sophomore slump this season, but the tools are all there. The flashes of brilliance remain, and you can see the potential for dominance waiting to reassert itself once the puck bounces his way consistently.
The Flames Signed Cooley as a Backup
Then there’s Devin Cooley. Nobody expected him to steal headlines or play as well as he has. Signed as a journeyman backup, Cooley has flipped the script. With a .930 save percentage and GAA around 2.00, he’s playing like a Vezina contender and bringing a fearless, almost nihilistic approach to the crease. No overthinking, no paralysis by expectation — just athleticism, size, and a carefree mindset that translates into elite play. He’s stealing goals, keeping the team competitive night after night, and giving the Flames something they haven’t had in a long time: reliability when the top prospect struggles.
Together, the Flames Now Have a Solid Tandem
Together, Wolf and Cooley form a tandem that’s both technically sound and psychologically balanced. Wolf brings high-end skill and future upside; Cooley brings poise, confidence, and immediate results. One can carry the team through tough stretches while the other develops or bails the team out, and neither is a liability. They complement each other in style and temperament, creating one of the rare tandems where the team doesn’t need to worry about the goaltending position even if the rebuild stretches on.
For a franchise with bigger questions elsewhere, that’s gold. Flames management can focus on skaters, trades, and development — because between the pipes, the team is already in excellent hands. In a league where a strong goalie can make or break seasons, Calgary doesn’t have that problem.