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Sportsnet put out an article today of their four Calder candidates and Wolf is one of them. Chances improving that Wolf will at least get nominated!

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...of-nhl-season/

Dustin Wolf has appeared in games for the Flames across three campaigns, yet it's only been this season that the undersized netminder is getting a real shot at proving himself in the big leagues.

A seventh-round pick for the Flames in 2019, Wolf worked his way through the system and managed to find success at every level and, in his second year of professional hockey, received the Lee Cunningham Award as the AHL's most valuable player, among other accolades. In 2024-25, following Jacob Markstrom's trade to New Jersey, Wolf finally earned an opening-night roster spot out of training camp.

His .916 save percentage, 2.50 goals-against average and two shutouts not only rank above the NHL average this season, he also ranks seventh in save-percentage leaders league-wide. Wolf's numbers clock above Vezina Trophy-winners Linus Ullmark, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Igor Shesterkin, while the rookie faces an average of 30 shots per game.

The Flames also have a 14-6-3 record at the Saddledome, thanks in large part to Wolf, who was between the pipes for all but three of those wins. In Calgary, Wolf has a 1.98 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage, losing just two games in regulation at home.

His play has earned him a run at the No. 1 position over veteran Dan Vladar, getting the start in the past four games.

Wolf absolutely belongs in the Calder conversation, but his position as a goaltender — though crucial for his team — puts him at an inherent disadvantage. The last goalie to be named a finalist was Alex Nedeljkovic, in 2021, but the last goalie to actually win the award was Steve Mason, in 2009, making it exceedingly rare for a goaltender to win Rookie of the Year in this day and age.