On paper, the Calgary Flames are set to be one of, if not the worst team in the National Hockey League in 2026/27, but that doesn't mean there's not a whole lot of positives for this fanbase to look towards.
Perhaps the most exciting part is the fact that goaltender Dustin Wolf, who rose through the ranks quickly to become the Flames starter is now locked in on a long-term deal, and with still years before he hits his prime, the Flames appear to be set in net for a long time to come. That seven-year contract extension carries a $7.5 million AAV that is set to kick in during the 2026/27 season, and while that's a major risk for any goaltender, The Athletic have now named it as the 8th best value contract in the league.
From Lane Hutson to Jack Hughes, my annual look at the 10 best contracts in hockey. https://t.co/Og577AoeCg pic.twitter.com/qnlLSie13z
— dom 📈 (@domluszczyszyn) July 22, 2026
This is despite a down year from Wolf by his standards in 2025/26 as he went 23-29-3 with a 2.99 GAA and an .899 save percentage, with backup Devin Cooley looking much better in net for the majority of the campaign.
Although 2025/26 wasn't a good year for Wolf, his overall career numbers still look strong with a 60-52-12 record alongside a 2.84 GAA and a .903 save percentage, but in the coming years, he'll need to battle behind a young, inexperienced team that lacks overall elite talent. Ultimately, the Wolf contract was a no-brainer for the Flames, as he likely isn't going to hit his prime for another few years, and while the team will struggle moving forward, he will always be there at the back to give this team a chance to win, especially as they push towards their rise in 2-3 years.
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