The starting goaltender for the Calgary Flames is Jacob Markstrom. It has been for the past four years. However, Dustin Wolf has shown in every league that he has played in that he is a goalie of the future and that he is not to be taken lightly. The Flames seem to be embracing more of a youth movement this year than in years past. Wolf has shown that he is ready for consistent NHL minutes and looks like he has what it takes. On top of that, he is a fan favourite. Come next season, will he take over the starting job in the crease for the team? Who will be the Flames starter in 2024–25? We asked, you answered.
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Early predictions on the Flames’ goalie situation next year
We presented the below poll, which has Markstrom and Wolf as possible options for starting. This comes with the assumption that the Flames don’t hold onto Dan Vladar past this season.
Jacob Markstrom
Surprisingly enough, this was not the most voted option. Markstrom has a proven track record of being a reliable starting goaltender overall. In Calgary, he seems to have one good year followed by one bad year, but it isn’t a hot take to say that Markstrom should be an elite goaltender in the league. After this season, Markstrom has two more years on his contract, and he will be 34 years old this January. Despite his age, the Flames may choose to go with the goaltender who has a proven track record in their eyes. Especially because goaltending is the most important position in the league.
Dustin Wolf
Most votes believe that Dustin Wolf will be the Flames starting goaltender come next season, presumably with Markstrom backing him up. I believe that if this happens, and the team is still trying to win now or do a quick retool Wolf will have to force the organization’s hand with his play. But there’s definitely a strong possibility of this happening. As already mentioned, the team is looking to get younger. What better way to do that than giving the keys to your goalie of the future who has proven himself at every single level?
If the Flames do end up going more toward the rebuild/retool route, having Wolf as the starting goalie will ensure that the franchise still sells tickets and generates revenue during times when wins won’t come as easy or frequently. Oh, and outside of that, Wolf is a spectacular goaltender. I am surprised that most people believe he will be starting next year, but at the same time, I can’t discount the possibility, because once he takes the starting job, he isn’t going to be giving it back.
1A 1B
I personally believe this is the most likely scenario, at least for the first half of next season. We aren’t even sure when/if Vladar will be traded this year. If Vladar isn’t traded, I have some doubts that the Flames will want to give Wolf such a huge jump to being the team’s starting goaltender from starting in the AHL. I would think the team would want to start him as a backup, and gradually give him more starts as the season rolls along. Whether he is the 1A or 1B is a whole other discussion, but the team won’t want to give Wolf too much too fast.
Neither
This option isn’t happening, I can’t think of a situation where this occurs. Markstrom would have to request a trade or retire, and Wolf will have to crash and burn and need to spend another year in the AHL or be the team’s backup. This would be a wild storyline for the team, but don’t worry, because there is practically no chance that this will occur, and with not even 2% of voters selecting this option, it seems like everyone agrees.
Is it time to pass the torch?
Wolf has now played two games in a row for the team and he looks great. Granted Vladar was under the weather in the second game, but Wolf genuinely looks ready. It is clear that Wolf is gaining more and more trust from the coaching staff, and things seem to be trending in the right direction. In an ideal situation, both Markstrom and Wolf put up great numbers next year, but watch out, Wolf may already be changing from the goalie of the future to the goalie of the present.
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