Dustin Wolf discussion thread

[Ba'alzamon]

Wolf is still very slight, which might be what people are noticing.

One thing I always find funny in top goalie prospect articles is they go on and on about Wolf's size, but there's no mention of the same in Levi's section. They're both 6'0".

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think we as fans just need to remain patient. There are people who will start throwing around the bust word after he has a bad game, and there are people who will proclaim him as the next Kiprusoff after a great performance. I believe that Jamie McLennan is probably right - he will need time to develop more at the NHL level. One great example of this is Carey Price. For many seasons, Price was easily the best goaltender for Canada, and arguably the best goalie on the planet. He had high pedigree, but he didn't look so hot coming into the NHL. Halak looked like the superior goalie, and it wasn't even close.


Saros was brought along really slowly as well under Rinne. Saros was the backup for 3 seasons or so, and Rinne was still around when Saros was getting more starts than Rinne.



As for Wolf's height - it is overblown. Saros is listed at 5'11", and nobody is doubting his ability to be a great starter. Quick is 6'1", and he won a couple of cups.



I think Wolf will take over the starter's job in time, as there are not many goalies entering the NHL with his overall success and accolades. He has looked good in a number of games as well at the NHL level. I would think that the organization will still try and insulate him, and give him the backup role for now. Either Markstrom stays and plays the role of the mentor for Wolf, or Vladar stays and takes a lot of the pressure off of Wolf in the starts (and we don't REALLY know what Vladar is capable of, and he is hardly a finished product either), or the Flames go out and sign a veteran goalie to work as a mentor with Wolf.


He is absolutely a blue-chip prospect. There are no guarantees, but I do believe that as long as the Flames bring him around slowly, he will end up becoming a very good starter for this team that can be relied on for the next decade.

[Wastedyouth]

Being slight is good for a goalie too, in my opinion. Less wear and tear on the joints, faster reaction times.

The kids game is based on reactions, positioning and agility. Not just being big and letting the puck hit him.

I'm obviously a huge fan, and I think his body type lends to more longevity at the position.

[getbak]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1769747011933241818

Third straight start. Let him get in a groove.

[Enoch Root]

nice!

another solid game from him would sure add some sunshine to the forecast

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by getbak

https://twitter.com/user/status/1769747011933241818

Third straight start. Let him get in a groove.

Gotta wonder if facing an all time great shooter like Ovi is something a young goalie looks forward to or not.

[Firebot]

Some perspective

Dominik Hasek was 6'1 and made his NHL debut at the age of 25 and became a starter at the age of 28.

Dustin Wolf at 6'0 is 22 and already has 10 NHL games experience, lots of time to mature.

[The Yen Man]

To me, it's really surprising how 2 inches look so much bigger than it actually is. Wolf does look smaller when he's standing beside the net for some reason. Maybe it's just bias on my part because people keep mentioning how small he is? 6 feet isn't that short. He's only 1 inch shorter than Kipper.

[Paulie Walnuts]

He looked small vs San Jose, and I think that was shock and not enough prep time to be ready to go.

I prefer a smaller goalie like a Wolf or Kipper over a Smith and Markstrom. Not only are they more fun to watch, they are calming and get side to side better.

Wolf has it all, he makes the spectacular save when needed, but he also is calming and makes the save.

[Monahammer]

Dustin Wolf is the most important player our franchise currently possesses. It isn't even close. He has the potential to shape the next decade of the franchise.

[Erick Estrada]

I agree with the poster above that said he looks smaller than Saros. Not sure if it's due to differences in equipment but I never notice Saros as looking as small as Wolf does.

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Gotta wonder if facing an all time great shooter like Ovi is something a young goalie looks forward to or not.

I would imagine they look forward to it. They're professional athletes, they probably like to be challenged, no?

Stopping a howitzer from an all-timer is something they can brag about later. And if they get pumped for six goals they can be like "Well, what could I have done? He's Ovechkin! You don't score 800 goals by picking up bottlecaps."

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

He has looked very good when the team has played well

He has “struggled” when the team has played poorly in front of him

Well, that is just not true. Wolf has looked like dynamite the last couple of games, which is awesome—it is exactly what we all want to see. But, let's get real, here: he was NOT good in his first several starts this year, and it was not the fault of his teammates.

I am really encouraged, because these look like really positive signs of development. He has looked much more capable of playing in the NHL now than he did before February, which is excellent.


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[Kipper_3434]

Wolf has a very deep crouch, could be what makes him look even smaller, could also help him be so agile. Think the size thing is overblown. Most goals are scored on tips/screens/rebounds/top shelf on any goalie.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

His speed, agility, and hunger more than make up for additional size.

You could say he's hungry like the wolf.

[Ba'alzamon]

The goalie Wolf reminds me of is actually Evgeni Nabokov. His stance isn't as narrow, but it's a similar idea where he stays standing longer and keeps his torso angled forward to cut off rising shots.

[getbak]

[SuperMatt18]

I feel like sometimes Wolf might wear smaller shoulder pads compared to other goalies.

Even in regards to Saros it feels like Saros might wear a bit bigger gear.

[Flamesfan05]

Good move. Expose Markstrom as little as possible so they can get a haul for him at the draft due to his current good record

[Reggie Dunlop]

He's okay.