Flames Notebook: Cooley Seizing the Net, Coleman Addresses Trade Rumors, Front Office Gets Vote of Confidence
There’s a shift happening in Calgary, and it’s not just on the ice. As the Flames navigate a challenging season, a few key storylines are beginning to take shape - from a goalie making the most of his shot, to a veteran forward facing the trade rumor mill head-on, to a front office that’s been locked in for the long haul.
Let’s break it down.
Devin Cooley’s Emergence: From Question Mark to Go-To Guy
Coming into the 2025-26 season, Devin Cooley wasn’t exactly penciled in as a major piece of the Flames’ goaltending puzzle. But 11 games in, he’s not just answering questions - he’s flipping the script.
Cooley has posted a rock-solid 2.17 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage, numbers that don’t just look good on paper - they’ve translated into results. He’s started five of Calgary’s last seven games and helped the team pick up seven points over that stretch. That’s no small feat, especially considering the level of competition: the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes are all playoff-caliber squads.
So why the uptick in starts? Part of it is Cooley’s strong play, no doubt.
But the other side of the coin is Dustin Wolf’s struggles. The 24-year-old netminder, who impressed in his rookie campaign, has hit a bit of a sophomore wall.
His 3.17 GAA and .890 SV% suggest a player still finding his rhythm this season.
That’s where Cooley’s value has really come into focus. He’s stepped in, stabilized the crease, and shown that he can handle the workload when called upon. Wolf is still very much a part of Calgary’s long-term plans, but for now, Cooley’s making the most of his moment - and giving the Flames a fighting chance on any given night.
Blake Coleman on Trade Rumors: “You Hear It, Obviously”
With the Flames sitting outside the playoff picture, the trade winds are starting to swirl - and veteran names like Rasmus Andersson, Nazem Kadri, and Blake Coleman are right in the thick of it.
Coleman, for his part, isn’t pretending the noise doesn’t exist.
“You hear it, obviously, but I think that’s just part of the job,” he said this week. “You put yourselves in this kind of situation [with a poor start]. There’s really not a name I haven’t heard.”
It’s a refreshingly honest take from a player who’s been through this before. Coleman recalled being told he was part of the long-term plan in New Jersey, only to be traded two weeks later. It’s a reminder that in the NHL, nothing is guaranteed - especially when a team is retooling.
At 34, Coleman remains a valuable asset. He’s got two Stanley Cups on his résumé, brings a gritty, two-way game, and has chipped in eight goals and 11 points through 27 games this season. For contenders looking to bolster their bottom six with playoff experience and leadership, he’s an appealing option.
Whether or not Calgary moves him remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Coleman’s not rattled by the speculation. He’s been around long enough to know how this works.
Front Office Stability: Flames Extend Conroy, Nonis, Pascall, Maloney
While the on-ice product is still finding its footing, the Flames are doubling down on the people running the show.
Last week, the organization announced two-year contract extensions for general manager Craig Conroy, assistant GMs Dave Nonis and Brad Pascall, and president of hockey operations Don Maloney. All four are now signed through the 2027-28 season.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this hockey club,” Conroy said. “We have made important strides the last two years, and I believe in the culture of this team.”
The extensions signal a clear vote of confidence in the current regime. Conroy and his team have been tasked with navigating a transitional period - balancing a competitive roster with the long-term vision of a rebuild or retool. These deals give them the runway to do just that.
What’s Next: Back Home at the Dome
After a five-game road swing, the Flames are headed back to the Saddledome for a four-game homestand. It kicks off Thursday against the Minnesota Wild and continues Saturday with a matchup against the Utah Mammoth. Next week, they’ll welcome the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings.
It’s a critical stretch. The standings may not be friendly right now, but this homestand offers a chance to build momentum - and for players like Cooley and Coleman, to keep making their mark in very different ways.
Whether it’s a goalie proving he belongs, a veteran facing the future with clarity, or a front office solidifying its foundation, there’s no shortage of storylines in Calgary right now.
And if the last few weeks are any indication, this season may still have a few surprises left in it.