The Calgary Flames have entrenched Dustin Wolf as their undisputed No. 1 goaltender, but the organization is already mapping out a deep and versatile backup corps.
General manager Craig Conroy, who took the reins in May 2023, has emphasized a long‑term vision that blends immediate stability with a steady infusion of young talent.
A New Generation of Net‑Minders
The Flames’ AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, recently inked Owen Say and Semyon Konopsky to contracts that promise added depth at the professional level. Say, who posted a 6‑7‑5 record with a .889 save percentage in the AHL last season, brings a gritty, two‑way presence, while Konopsky’s .930 save percentage in the MHL highlights his reflexive brilliance.
Both players are part of a broader pipeline that includes prospects such as Kirill Zarubin, a Russian draft pick currently dominating the MHL with a 26‑13‑3 record and a .930 save percentage, and Yegor Yegorov, who is navigating the NCAA ranks while sharpening his game against top collegiate shooters.
The Flames have also added Tobias Trejbal to the mix, rounding out a trio of prospects drafted since Conroy’s arrival. Each of these youngsters is being carefully positioned to eventually challenge for NHL minutes.
Conroy’s strategy extends beyond the pro ranks; he has cultivated relationships with collegiate programs such as the University of Notre Dame, Miami University in Ohio, and the University of Massachusetts, where several of these prospects have honed their skills before moving onto professional contracts.
The result is a goaltending depth chart that, on paper, looks formidable. With Wolf ready to shoulder the bulk of the workload, the organization can afford to let its younger netminders develop at a measured pace, knowing that a reliable succession plan is already in place.
Fans can expect to see a rotation of promising talent in the AHL this season, with Say and Konopsky likely to see significant ice time. Their performances will be closely watched as indicators of how quickly the Flames can transition from a single star between the pipes to a sustainable, multi‑year goaltending corps.