Dustin Wolf will shoulder Calgary’s goaltending workload in 2025-26 after a seven-year, $52.5 million extension, establishing him as the Flames’ presumed workhorse. The 24-year-old was Calder Trophy runner-up last season, posting a .910 save percentage and 2.64 GAA in 53 games, helping Calgary surge down the stretch. Huska said the group must shield him by limiting high-quality chances and managing workload.

Wolf embraces the challenge amid competition from Dan Vladar and prospects Dustin Cooley and Ivan Prosvetov. The Flames’ arena transition adds optimism as Calgary builds toward a championship window. His size chatter persists, but preparation, durability and a clear role shape his fantasy upside this season.

Vancouver dominated Calgary 8-1 in a high-octane preseason showcase, led by Quinn Hughes with a goal and two assists and Max Sasson’s two tallies. Pettersson and Raty pounced on the power play, while Forbort also chipped in on the PK with a short-handed score. Lankinen stood tall with 29 saves as Vancouver stretched its attack and depth ahead of the regular season. Calgary’s lone reply came from Joel Farabee early in the second; Prosvetov and Cooley struggled in goal.

Seattle built a 3-0 lead by the first intermission and cruised to a 4-2 win over Edmonton behind Winterton’s two goals, including a shorty. Daccord stopped 32; Nurse and Savoie answered for the Oilers, but Pickard’s 13 saves couldn’t close the gap. Both games spotlighted standout depth, special-teams execution, and the early shape of each club’s roster battles for opening night.

Calgary's goaltending depth is under the microscope as Devin Cooley and Ivan Prosvetov push for the Flames’ backup role behind Dustin Wolf, with both on one-way deals and exposure to waivers as teams show interest. Separate chatter centers on Connor McDavid potentially signing a short-term deal under 16 million AAV, preserving Edmonton’s cap flexibility around a core that includes Draisaitl, Bouchard and Nurse. Kirill Kaprizov is floated as a potential league-leading high AAV if he stays with Minnesota, shaping market expectations and fantasy angles for the season ahead.

Calgary heads into camp with leadership anchored by Mackenzie Weegar and a still-in-Calgary Rasmus Andersson. Weegar is the likely voice on the blue line and could grow into a captaincy role if Andersson remains. Top pairings look like Weegar–Andersson, with Bahl and Parekh pushing for major roles and Hanley providing flexible depth. Parekh's 19-year-old status and possible AHL eligibility loom large as camp opens. Bubble players Bean, Miromanov, Brzustewicz, Solovyov, Kuznetsov will push for scarce spots.

In goal, Wolf carries the workload as the starter with Vladar departed, while Cooley and Prosvetov duel for the backup job. Prosvetov brings NHL experience and a recent KHL stint to the table, which could tilt the race. Preseason decisions on defense depth and the goalie tandem will shape the Flames’ early-season ceiling.