Devin Cooley has been outstanding so far this year in the AHL. The Calgary Wranglers are sitting firmly on top of the Pacific Division with a record of 28–13–2. So far, Cooley has backstopped 26 of the Wranglers’ 46 games, winning 17 of them while posting a .929 save percentage and a 2.22 goals against average. With many fans unhappy with Daniel Vladar’s play as of late, is it finally time to see Cooley get a promotion?
Cooley’s background before joining the Flames
Cooley was acquired by the Calgary Flames in July of 2024 with the plan being that he would play for the Wranglers. Prior to the move, Cooley had been a career minor leaguer. Since making the jump to pro hockey ahead of the 2020–21 season, he had mainly bounced between the AHL and ECHL. That was until he was called up by the San Jose Sharks last season.
Cooley would get into six games for the bottom-dwelling Sharks, posting pretty poor numbers. He would go 2–3–1 with a .870 SV% and a 4.98 GAA certainly leaving some room for improvement. Cooley would need more time to marinate in the AHL before getting another shot in the NHL. It seems though, that shot may not be as far away as once thought.
Vladar on the hot seat
Vladar has had an up-and-down year for the Flames so far. He has spent the majority of the season splitting starts with Dustin Wolf and has been outperformed pretty thoroughly. With Wolf appearing to be the full-time starter moving forward, it has raised the question of whether Vladar is even needed in the backup spot.
Vladar’s tenure with the Flames hasn’t exactly been anything special. In his four seasons with the club, he has played 91 games, going 41–31–14 with a .892 SV% and a 3.08 GAA. His numbers this year are slightly worse than his averages, with a record of 6–10–5, a .886 SV%, and a 3.12 GAA so far. In a year where Cooley has dominated the AHL, the Flames’ current backup has struggled. A swap between the two might almost make too much sense.
Considering why the Flames won’t call on Cooley
A promotion for Cooley would leave the Wranglers without a starter. Vladar is on a one-way contract and would have to clear waivers to be available to play for the Flames’ AHL affiliate.
A major reason for the Wranglers’ success this year has been the exceptional goaltending they have received from Cooley. Other goaltenders for the Wranglers this year haven’t quite found the same success. Waltteri Ignatjew has been the backup for the squad so far. In 16 games, he has put up a .878 SV% and a 3.81 GAA. Ignatjew may not be quite ready for the starting role.
If it wasn’t for Vladar’s contract, the Flames could have him lead the Wranglers for a short period, but again, he would have to pass waivers first. With certain teams—like the New Jersey Devils—dealing with injuries between the pipes and many other squads dealing with inconsistencies, Vladar may be an intriguing waiver wire pickup for a few teams. Reports have Vladar’s trade value sitting at a fifth-round pick. While that may not be much, that does not mean the Flames would want to lose him for nothing.
Not the worst problem to have for Calgary
This may be a case of there being no right answer for the Flames. While a more consistent backup is quickly becoming a need for the squad, it may not be worth losing Vladar’s experience and trade value. However, if Cooley continues playing the way he has, he may just force general manager Craig Conroy into making a decision.
