Sun Sep 15 15:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Flames Goaltending Up For Grabs After Markstrom Trade

**Calgary, AB** – The Calgary Flames have a significant void in their goaltending after trading Vezina Trophy runner-up Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils this summer. The starting job is now wide open, with General Manager Craig Conroy declaring that the position is “up for grabs” during training camp.

“With Marky gone, the job is wide open, and these guys know this is as good an opportunity as they’re ever going to have to show what they can do and become an NHL starter,” Conroy told Sportsnet.

The Flames will be asking a lot of their goalies, as the team is expected to face a heavy workload this season due to changes to their defensive core. Three goalies are vying for the starting spot:

* **Daniel Vladar:** The veteran backup has three seasons of NHL experience, but is recovering from hip surgery and boasts a career save percentage of .894. Vladar has one year remaining on his $2.2 million contract and needs a strong season.
* **Dustin Wolf:** The AHL standout has won the league’s Goaltender of the Year award twice, with a career .926 save percentage in 141 games. The Flames have high hopes for Wolf and see this as a chance for him to take on a bigger role.
* **Devin Cooley:** The long-shot of the group, Cooley has only six NHL games under his belt with a .870 save percentage. He has strong ECHL numbers, but his small NHL sample size makes him a wildcard.

While Wolf appears to be the frontrunner, Conroy has hinted at a possible 1A/1B situation with Vladar, allowing both to split duties and compete for the starting spot.

The Flames are in for an interesting training camp and season as their goaltending situation plays out. If none of the contenders step up, it could be a long year in Calgary.

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