Dustin Wolf Comparison

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Burning Beard

I think with the state of the locker room (Kadri) and both goalies struggles this year I'm glad that Wolf wasn't brought up in a push to make the playoffs. If they lose tonight I hope they give him a game or two before the AHL playoffs start.

Yeah I don't see the point in introducing him to any locker room toxicity if it in fact exists as he's far better off playing in the Calder Cup. Besides I'm not sure exactly what message that would send to Markstrom and Vladar whom are both under contract with the Flames beyond this season.

[tvp2003]

Originally Posted by GFG#1

I am not saying we need to Shelter Dustin, I am saying I am not sure Markstrom is the right Mentor for Dustin. Markstrom has shown no mental toughness, or ability to bounce back/shake it off. Markstrom has been acting like he is 12, cursing screaming, breaking sticks arguing with the refs. All he appears to be doing is complaining about everyone else. When he should be figuring out how to stop the puck. 10 good games this year is not bouncing back or figuring it out. I think 10 good games is a stretch, it has probably been closer to 5.

Based on what I have been seeing from Markstrom this year, I am not sure he would be a good soldier if Dustin where to become the starter.

I'm not in the locker room but my observation is that Markstrom has been nothing but professional in supporting Vladar, especially early in the year when he was struggling and Vladar was getting more starts.

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by SilverKast

Wolf is making it too hard to ignore him. He's basically putting up stellar numbers at each level he plays, and the only level left is the NHL. We currently have 2 guys putting up numbers in the bottom of the NHL so I don't see how you can't figure out a way to insert Wolf next year - or at least a game this year.

He's earned it based on his play at every level, he's hollering at the door here and we're sitting on our hands hoping what we have fixes itself. One of Markstrom or Vladar needs to go next year to make room for Wolf. I don't care which at this point because it's not like we could get worse goaltending that what we've received this year. Markstrom is more proven and you would think maybe likely to bounce back, but goalies are voodoo for this club so who knows.

Next year is his year to break in for sure. It will be interesting to see how the Flames handle it, as they never ever guarantee a prospect a spot prior to training camp, rightly so I guess. Sure, Gaudreau, Monahan, Bennett and MT were expected to make the team out of camp but there’s more wiggle room with skaters.

I assume they will go into camp with 3 goalies and make Wolf prove himself. If he does they’ll try to get rid of Vladar or waive him, or worst case they’ll send Wolf down to ‘wait for an opening’. I hope to god they don’t run with 3 goalies…we know how that turns out. (RIP Spaul)

[sketchyt]

Interesting set of names. Not the greatest names in there but he's so far beyond them... but I imagine the discussion will simply devolve into, "WHy DaRryL noT plAY the WulF guy???".

Spoiler!

[driveway]

If you look at the names of goalies who made that list at the same age Wolf has it's Thatcher Demko, Tristan Jarry, & Matt Murray. Demko and Jarry are currently starters for their teams, Murray has been a starter and obviously a Stanley Cup winner.

Something that might give some hesitation to hoping Wolf takes over next year? Murray has clearly fallen off since early in his career, while Jarry and Demko seem to be maintaining their play (though Demko is down this year). Jarry and Demko didn't start 30 games until they were 24/25. Murray started 47 games his 22-year-old season. Dustin Wolf will turn 24 April 16, 2025.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

God.

Really the closest comparable.

[FlamesAddiction]

I was watching a few videos of Wolf and it is difficult to come up with an exact comparison. He still looks pretty small in the net, but he is quicker than any goalie I can think of.

[sketchyt]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I was watching a few videos of Wolf and it is difficult to come up with an exact comparison. He still looks pretty small in the net, but he is quicker than any goalie I can think of.

The way I think about it is he’s basically taken Quick’s style of play and has evolved it to another level. More upright and waits a little longer to drop. There’s really no direct comparison at that point.

[Smit]

Wow very impressive to show up on that list twice.
Too bad his NHL team didn't have a goaltending problem he could have got a look with the big club...

[VilleN]

Originally Posted by Smit

Wow very impressive to show up on that list twice.
Too bad his NHL team didn't have a goaltending problem he could have got a look with the big club...

He's super young still - I actually think the Flames did the right thing by not bringing him up.

[Smit]

I disagree with how the Flames handled it.
0.888 save percentage, why not try something different.
Being worried about young players is ridiculous. When a player proves he is ready and you have an opening you should give him a shot.
There is nothing left for him to prove in the AHL.
With the FLames done, we can at least all cheer him and the Wranglers on to win the Calder.

[tvp2003]

I don't wish injury upon anyone but he clearly would have been the first call-up had Markstrom or Vladar been injuried. Hard to say if Wolf would have seen any actual game minutes but at least you'd see him in practice and could gauge how he performed.

But that didn't happen so Sutter stuck with who he had and they failed to deliver.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

I don't wish injury upon anyone but he clearly would have been the first call-up had Markstrom or Vladar been injuried. Hard to say if Wolf would have seen any actual game minutes but at least you'd see him in practice and could gauge how he performed.

But that didn't happen so Sutter stuck with who he had and they failed to deliver.

Markstrom had been injured since last spring

[SportsJunky]

Just browsing through the top goalie stats in the AHL and Wolf really is dominant. I didn't realize how good he has been this year. There is nobody close to him really. Factor in his monster year last year and he sure looks like a guy that needs to be on the big club full-time next season. Very excited to watch Wolf next season.
https://theahl.com/stats/player-stat...age=1&league=4

[tvp2003]

Watching him last night in warmups and during the game, I was surprised by how active Wolf was. Most starting goalies seem to want to conserve their energy, do what they need to do to get ready and then get off the ice. Maybe he was just amped up for his debut but he was one of the last guys off the ice, and he would be skating around shooting pucks and being much more active than anyone I've seen in the NHL. And then before each period, stretching, jumping, crashing back into his net -- Zadorov said he heard Wolf was pretty superstitious so I guess if it works don't change it.

In terms of comparables I actually get some strong Tim Lincecum vibes (former pitcher for the Giants). Short for a pitcher (5'11) and very slight in stature but he's extremely flexible and very explosive in his movement. It's hard to tell in slow motion but his delivery is extremely fast even though his mechanics and delivery are very controlled and refined (which is why his nickname was "The Freak").

[CroFlames]

So who is the tandem next year? Do the Flames approach Marky and ask him to waive?

Surely Wolf needs to be graduated.

I'm loathe to trade Vladar I think he has great potential.

I'm loathe to trade Marky I think he is due for a bounceback.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

So who is the tandem next year? Do the Flames approach Marky and ask him to waive?

Surely Wolf needs to be graduated.

I'm loathe to trade Vladar I think he has great potential.

I'm loathe to trade Marky I think he is due for a bounceback.

Steinberg suggested a three headed monster hybrid yesterday where you take advantage of Wolf's waiver status and having a team in Calgary to have him split duty between both Calgary teams.

Keeps them from having to move on from Vladar early if Wolf isn't quite ready.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Steinberg suggested a three headed monster hybrid yesterday where you take advantage of Wolf's waiver status and having a team in Calgary to have him split duty between both Calgary teams.

Keeps them from having to move on from Vladar early if Wolf isn't quite ready.

They might be able to move Vladar at the draft for some picks though. If not, I fully expect a camp battle, which will result in Vladar getting moved soon afterwards.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

They might be able to move Vladar at the draft for some picks though. If not, I fully expect a camp battle, which will result in Vladar getting moved soon afterwards.

They certainly would be able to move Vladar. I question if that is the RIGHT move though.

Maybe Marky doesn't bounce back and the best option is Vladar/Wolf? I believe in Vladar.

[Roof-Daddy]

Nm