During this past offseason, the Calgary Flames signed goalie Devin Cooley to a two-year, $1.55 million contract. After trading star goalie Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils during the summer, the Flames needed more depth at position, and Cooley gave them that.
Cooley has played down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Calgary Wranglers since and has been excellent. In 11 games this season, the Los Gatos, California native has an 8-2-0 record, a .954 save percentage (SV%), and a 1.46 goals-against average (GAA). He was also just named AHL Player of the Week (Nov. 3-10) after posting two shutouts, a .976 SV%, and a 0.64 GAA in four appearances.
Due to his remarkable play with the Wranglers, Cooley is now creating some buzz in the rumor mill as a trade candidate. NHL insider Frank Seravalli had this to say during a recent episode of Daily Faceoff Live about Cooley standing out as a potential trade chip:
"There's a bunch of teams who could use a Devin Cooley to cool things off, so to speak. If that does end up happening, he's one name to keep an eye on, thanks to the hot start he's had."
Seravalli also named the Philadelphia Flyers and Colorado Avalanche as two specific teams who could express interest in Cooley.
It will be fascinating to see what happens with Cooley from here. While he could be a decent trade chip for the Flames, it also would not be a bad thing to keep him around. His play with the Wranglers has been marvelous and having him around for insurance could benefit the Flames if injuries arise.