After 81 rough games, the Calgary Flames 2025/26 season is set to come to an end on Thursday, with the team going to battle one final time against the Los Angeles Kings in a game that has major rammifications for their lottery odds ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.
The team will take one step up in lottery odds with a loss, and for those Flames fans fearing a meaningless victory in game 82, the sight of a dominant Devin Cooley in net could spoil all of that. Now, just hours ahead of the season finale inside the SaddleDome, the team have announced a major change, as No. 1 has been ruled out with illness, ending what was an incredible campaign for the Flames.
As a result, the Flames have recalled goaltender Arsenii Sergeev on an emergency basis, meaning Calgary will have two former seventh-round picks active for their last game of the campaign.
#Flames Roster Update: Goaltender Arsenii Sergeev has been recalled from the @AHLWranglers on an emergency basis.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 16, 2026
Devin Cooley is out with illness.
The 23-year old was selected with the No. 205 overall pick back in 2021, and in 2025/26, he took the leap to the professional game, playing in 12 games with the Rapid City Rush before appearing in 28 games for the Calgary Wranglers in the American Hockey League. In his time with the Wranglers, Sergeev improved as the year went on, posting a 3.29 GAA along with an .898 save percentage, and now, there's a chance he may get his first shot at the National Hockey League level.
Optional morning skate Thursday at the 'Dome.
— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) April 16, 2026
Zach Whitecloud on the ice with a full shield, so he'll play tonight. Matt Coronato also looks to be back in.
Tyson Gross, Ryan Lomberg, Martin Pospisil, and Johnny Beecher scratches.
Arsenii Sergeev in the starter's net. #Flames
According to Sportsnet's Pat Steinberg, Sergeev was in the starters net for the Flames at their morning skate, and given how valuable this one game of experience could be for the young goaltender, it's a move that makes sense if he does indeed get the start.
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