The NHL season is coming to a close quickly, and the Calgary Flames are still right in the thick of a playoff race. The biggest reason why they are still in the mix for a playoff spot is the play of rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf. It feels like a lifetime ago, but the only reason Wolf has been thrust into the team’s starting goaltender position is that they moved former number one goalie, Jacob Markstrom, last June.
At first glance, many saw the original trade as a loss for the Flames, but as time has gone on, it has only proved to be a massive win for the team. Let’s take a look back at the trade and how it has greatly benefited the team since moving on from Markstrom.
Markstrom wanted out, and the Flames granted his wish
It became very clear that after the trade deadline in 2024, Markstrom was fed up in Calgary and wanted to be out as soon as they could possibly make the move. If you can remember correctly, it was reported that the Flames had a trade in place last season that would have sent Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils months earlier than it happened.
The deal never went through, and Markstrom was visibly upset about it. The day before the Flames would raise Miikka Kiprusoff’s number to the rafters, Markstrom decided to make the weekend about himself and talk about the trade that never happened and put his anger on blast. From that point on, Markstrom would mail in the rest of his season, going from potential Vezina finalist to barely league average.
It was clear that once the season came to an end, Markstrom would not play another game with the Flames. Just before the NHL draft last June, Markstrom got his wish and was moved to the Devils. He went from being untradable after the 2022–23 season to getting the team a first-round pick and a roster player. That in itself should be considered a win for the Flames in this scenario.
The return for Markstrom has become fantastic
At first glance, it looked like the Flames could have received more than what they got for Markstrom, but time has told us that they did just fine. The trade included a 2025 first-round pick that is top-10 protected and defenceman Kevin Bahl. The Flames would also retain $1.875M of Markstrom’s contract in the deal.
The first-round pick this season should be at a decent spot for the Flames to get a potential impact player. The Devils currently sit 13th league-wide. However, they have sustained major injury blows to star players Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton that will keep both of them out the rest of the season.
Not to mention that the Devils have been imploding of late, both on and off the ice. Everything says that the Devils should be a first-round exit this spring, and if that’s the case, the pick should be pretty decent for the Flames.
Kevin Bahl has been a standout this season for the Flames. He has been a rock on the back end alongside Rasmus Andersson. He has solidified himself as a top-four defenceman on this team now, and he will be for a long time. After losing Chris Tanev last season, the Flames needed a guy to just be rock solid on the defensive side of the puck, and they got that in spades with Bahl.
When he missed time due to an injury this year, you could see how much it affected the Flames when his services weren’t available; he has become that important to the team. He is due for a contract extension this summer, but I have no doubt that he and the Flames will come to an agreement on a new deal that will keep him a Flame for a while. He has been just fantastic this season.
Dustin Wolf became the biggest winner of the trade
The biggest win that came from this trade was opening up a spot in the net for Wolf to become a full-time NHL goalie. With Markstrom being around, it was difficult to give Wolf a substantial amount of starts because Markstrom wanted to play and be the guy. Well, with Markstrom out of the equation, the net was wide open to be taken, and Wolf not only gained the reigns, but he has also run with it.
It was talked about for years that the Flames needed to move a goalie to get Wolf in the NHL. He dominated the AHL for far too long, and it was time for him to become an NHL goalie.
Wolf has not only solidified himself as an NHLer this year, but he has also solidified himself as a top starter in the entire league. Carrying the Flames to wins they have no business winning and cementing himself at what should be the top of the Calder Trophy race.
He has been so good that there has been a conversation for Vezina and Hart consideration if he can drag this team to the playoffs. That is how good he has been, and none of this happens if they don’t move out Markstrom and open up a space for Wolf.
More moves like this in the summer
It would be best for the future of the team if the Flames explored more moves like this when the season comes to a close. They have a bunch of veterans that I believe contending teams would love to have to help their Stanley Cup chances.
Obviously, I do not expect a young player to impact the team on a level like Wolf has, but getting more young players into the lineup to prove themselves will be worthwhile.
