- Both undersized
- Both later draft picks (primarily because they were undersized)
- Both dominated at every level they played at prior to the NHL
- Both won MVP (or in Gaudreau's case, the Hobey Baker as top NCAA player)
- Both entered the NHL by playing the last regular season game
- Both are seemingly quite likeable amongst fans (especially as an "underdog")
Is that setting expectations too high? Could Dustin Wolf legitimately be the next "big" thing in Calgary?
I think for a team and fanbase looking for a bit of hope and optimism, he definitely brings that. The only thing he needs IMO is the opportunity and a bit of leash; you don't need to play him 10 games in a row but at least give him some regular games and the opportunity to compete for more.
I love the kid but goalies are voodoo.
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A decision by the new GM has to be who is in the long-term plans of the team. There are about to be a lot of roster decisions based on this, and I seriously hope goaltending is an area where we move at least one goalie out to get Wolf into the NHL.
And it's gotta be a firm commitment too. Guarantee him 20-30 games so he can learn at this level and adapt. He's done it at every other level, so there's no second guessing here that the kid can't hack it or learn how to play in the NHL.
Don't #### this one up please. He could be an elite goalie for years to come if this is handled right. Developing an elite goaltender is a franchise turning event. Are we going to have the next Shesterkin or stick with our Bobrovsky out of loyalty?
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
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I wonder if Toronto exits in the first round if they will finally want to address goaltending and we can ship Marky there. I think he would waive for the Leafs and run with Wolf/Vladar next year. The Flames should absolutely try and embrace Wolf as the #1, he is ready.
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There is just no way this team enters the season with two goalies who have played a total of 56 NHL games. The only goaltender with experience is Markstrom. Unless we get another goalie with experience in return for a highly improbable trade involving Markstrom (in which case that incoming goalie is on the team!), Markstrom is on this team next year.
The only way Wolf starts next year on the team is Vladar is moved, or Wolf outplays him so heavily in camp that they then find a way to move Vladar, possibly run with 3 goalies for a bit.
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All we need now is a Calder Cup run. It is next to impossible to not see Wolf on the roster next year. I wish Markstrom had the same value as last summer as that would be an ideal cap hit to remove for positive value. Now he would be very tough to move
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Congrats to Wolf who was clearly the best player in the AHL this year. Just remarkable what he has done his two season in the AHL.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dissentowner
I wonder if Toronto exits in the first round if they will finally want to address goaltending and we can ship Marky there. I think he would waive for the Leafs and run with Wolf/Vladar next year. The Flames should absolutely try and embrace Wolf as the #1, he is ready.
You'd have to take Murray back.
Which honestly I might think about...1 year of Murray at $4.7 vs 3 more years of Markstrom at $6M.
you'd need a goalie-desperate team which believes Markström can rebound, you'd probably have to take a bad contract back, and you'd need it to be a destination for which he waives his NMC. Very tough to do, but I'll hand it to the new GM if he manages to pull that one off ...
Moving Vladar should be much easier and more realistic. He's still young, he's cost-controlled and he showed some glimpses. Should have some kind of market, at least.
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Agreed, Vladar makes the most sense to move. Even if Markstrom doesn’t rebound (I think he will) it will still be good to have a vet there to mentor Wolf
Agreed! And with Sutter as coach Wolf will get 15 starts!
Perhaps, but I think there's a strong possibility that Wolf heavily outplays Markstrom (though Markstrom could easily put up a good year - goalies are voodoo).
As stubborn as Sutter is, if Markstrom has 87% and Wolf has 92.5%, Wolf will surely get more starts.
Agreed, Vladar makes the most sense to move. Even if Markstrom doesn’t rebound (I think he will) it will still be good to have a vet there to mentor Wolf
Markstrom does give lots of rebounds. He is done here. The team has no confidence in front of him. Wolf is ready, ship out Markstrom, the sooner the better.
Great story, and an amazing accomplishment.
No doubt he gets every opportunity in camp next season and a real leash in the NHL, but the talk of guaranteed number of starts is bizarre. The Flames will take all of their goalies into camp and at least 3 will have a legitimate shot to make the opening night roster, just like every team does it.
