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Where Flames goalie Wolf ranks among Calder Trophy candidates

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Dec 10 2024, 5:03 pm
Where Flames goalie Wolf ranks among Calder Trophy candidates
Brett Holmes/USA TODAY Sports

It may only be December, but Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf has already heard his name be discussed plenty in Calder Trophy conversation.

Despite hitting a bit of a rough patch as of late, Wolf has still put together a superb rookie season, posting a 2.84 goals against average (GAA) along with a .909 save percentage (SV%) through 14 starts. He’s also accounted for eight of the Flames’ 13 wins thus far.

Wolf also has a 4.79 goals saved above average (GSAA), per Evolving Hockey. That is good enough for 14th amongst all NHL goaltenders this season and ranks ahead of one of the game’s very best in Andrei Vasilevskiy (4.39), and sits near Ilya Sorokin (4.88) and Jake Oettinger (5.21).

Should Wolf be able to maintain similar starts in what is an equally split tandem between himself and Dan Vladar, he has a good shot at being named a finalist. Winning it may prove to be a difficult task, however, as the last goalie to do so was Steve Mason back in 2009. Being named a finalist isn’t nearly as unheard of, as Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner finished second in 2022-23.

Here’s a look at some of Wolf’s competition in his quest to win the NHL’s prestigious rookie of the year award.

Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers)

  • Ā Position: RW
  • 2024-25 stats: 26 GP, 11 G, 14 A, 25 PTS

The current frontrunner for the Calder Trophy is Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov. The recently turned 20-year-old has quickly proven that the hype surrounding him entering the 2023 draft was well worth it, as he has the makings to be a superstar for years to come.

Some questioned how Michkov would mesh under head coach John Tortorella, but it hasn’t been an issue so far. His 11 goals and 25 points lead all NHL rookies and are good enough for second among his Flyers teammates.

Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens)

  • Position: D
  • 2024-25 stats: 28 GP, 0 G, 19 A, 19 PTS

Another player who is living up to the hype surrounding his name is Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson. There were questions on whether his 5-foot-9 frame would hinder his success in the NHL, but he’s quickly proving that, at least offensively, it won’t be an issue.

Hutson’s elusive skill has already allowed him to take over Mike Matheson’s duties on the top power-play unit, which will help him continue to rack up points. Though he’s yet to find the back of the net, his 19 points are tied for 15th amongst NHL defencemen.

Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks)

  • Position: C
  • 2024-25 stats: 18 GP, 8 G, 7 A, 15 PTS

An injury early in the season has limited Macklin Celebrini to just 18 games, but he’s quickly proving why he was the first-overall selection at this year’s draft. His hot start has already got some suggesting he should be considered for the Canadian Olympic roster in 2026.

While Celebrini’s injury has hurt his case in early season favourites for the Calder, his name will get brought up plenty going forward should he continue piling up points at this pace.

Logan Stankoven (Dallas Stars)

  • Position: C/RW
  • 2024-25 stats: 25 GP, 4 G, 12 A, 16 PTS

Logan Stankoven is a name many brought up when discussing Calder Trophy favourites before the season began. He narrowly kept his rookie status after appearing in 24 games in 2023-24, where he notched six goals and 14 points.

Stankoven also played a part in the Dallas Stars reaching the Western Conference Final last season, managing three goals and eight points in 19 games. His offensive totals have remained quite similar so far in 2024-25, but could begin to increase on what is a very talented Stars team.

As the list shows, there are several talented individuals Wolf finds himself in the running against. His main focus is to get wins for the Flames, and continuing to find ways to do so will help his case for the Calder moving forward.

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