Flames call up Wolf with Markstrom out with an injury
The Calgary Flames have recalled top goaltending prospect Dustin Wolf from their AHL affiliate Wranglers.
This marks the third time Wolf has been called up to the Flames this season. He most recently played a stretch of games in November due to Jacob Markstrom fracturing a finger and may get an opportunity to see the net a time or two during this stint.
While the recall of Wolf is certainly exciting, it comes at a tough cost, as Markstrom is injured once again. The 33-year-old was forced to exit the ice early during yesterday’s practice, and is currently being listed as day-to-day.
AWOOOOOOO! The #Flames have recalled goaltender Dustin Wolf from the @AHLWranglers.
Jacob Markstrom (lower body) is day-to-day. pic.twitter.com/dBsoabe6jq
ā Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 16, 2024
This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Markstrom, as he was in some sort of groove since returning from his finger injury in December. In fact, since the beginning of December, he owns a 2.12 goals against average (GAA) along with a .932 save percentage (SV%). As per analytic guru JFreshHockey, he is currently leading all NHL netminders in goals saved above expected (GSAx) at +18.3.
Though asking Wolf to fill the massive void may be too much to ask, the 22-year-old is more than deserving of the opportunity. He is lighting up the AHL for a third-straight season with a 2.27 GAA along with a .929 SV% in 23 games, and was recently named an All-Star for the third consecutive year.
The Flames will be in action tonight, as they are set to welcome the Arizona Coyotes to town. Given the quick turnaround, Dan Vladar is expected to draw the start tonight. He has picked up at least one point in three of his last four starts, but has increased pressure once again with Wolf back on the roster.
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