With a crowded roster and several standout performances, the team must weigh development, waiver risks, and immediate impact before finalizing their lineup for the 2024-25 season.
With just a week left in training camp and a couple of preseason games to go, the Calgary Flames have a few major decisions to address before the regular season begins.
The key areas of concern revolve around goaltending, the defensive lineup, and their forward group, which is probably the case for a lot of teams. However, unlike most teams, the Flames need to prioritize long-term implications over short-term decisions.
The Goaltending Battle:
The Flames entered camp with three goalies vying for two spots: Dan Vladar, Dustin Wolf, and Devin Cooley. All three netminders have played well. Cooley has played in three games, has one win, a 2.95 goals-against average, and a .929 save percentage. Dustin Wolf has started twice, has a win, a .943 save percentage, and an impressive 1.8 goals-against. Dan Vladar has three wins, a 2.57 goals against, and a .913 save percentage.
This decision won't be easy.
Wolf, who is waiver-exempt, seems like the most likely option to send to the AHL, but he has little left to prove at that level. The team must decide whether to keep him in Calgary or risk stunting his development by sending him down. And, if they keep him, do they run with three goalies for the season or move someone?
Defensive Spots:
Calgary appears set with six defenders: MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Andersson, Daniil Miromanov, Kevin Bahl, Jake Bean, and Brayden Pachal. The question now is who fills the seventh spot?
There is speculation that the Flames will sign Tyson Barrie to a contract, but nothing is guaranteed on that front. Hunter Brzustewicz does not require waivers to be sent down, but the Flames have been impressed with him. They say he looks calm and poised for such a young player. Flames management said they saw shades of Rasmus Andersson in him.
Forward Roster Decisions:
The Flames have around 11 forwards locked in, leaving just two or three spots for promising youngsters like Sam Honzek, Matt Coronato, and Adam Klapka. The challenge lies in deciding whether to waive a player like Jakob Pelletier, risk losing him on the waiver wire, or prioritize long-term development by sending someone down.
Pelletier said on Wednesday morning: “For me, I don’t want to go on waivers. I want to stay around. I want to be with the Flames. So it’s a little bit more stressful, but at the end of the day, you’re playing hockey for a job."
Meanwhile, Adam Klapka has three goals in three preseason games. He's making a case to make the opening night roster!