The Calgary Flames have moved to solidify their goaltending depth, signing backup netminder Devin Cooley to a two-year contract extension. The new deal, announced on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, carries an average annual value of US$1.35 million.
From Training Camp Battle to Key Contributor
Cooley's new contract marks a significant rise for the 28-year-old goaltender, who entered the season with considerable uncertainty. He narrowly won the backup role behind Dustin Wolf in training camp, edging out Ivan Prosvetov. At the time, reports suggested the Flames were still exploring other options for the position.
Questions about the team's confidence in him surfaced early when the Flames opted to start Wolf in back-to-back games to open the season. However, Cooley has since provided emphatic answers with his performance between the pipes.
Impressive Numbers Earn Trust
Since his first appearance for the Flames against the Utah Mammoth on October 15, Cooley has been a model of consistency. In 13 appearances this season, he has compiled a stellar 2.40 goals-against-average and a .917 save percentage.
This level of play has firmly established him as a reliable option and earned the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates. Flames head coach Ryan Huska pointed to Cooley's strong debut in Utah as a pivotal moment that built belief throughout the organization.
A Journey to Calgary's NHL Roster
Cooley's path to this extension was not straightforward. Before this season, he had only six games of NHL experience, all with the San Jose Sharks. He joined the Flames organization in the summer of 2024, spending the entirety of last season with the AHL's Calgary Wranglers. Although he received a one-game call-up to the NHL, he did not see game action.
His dominant play in the American Hockey League, where he was regarded as one of the league's best players for a stretch, laid the foundation for his current opportunity. Huska also credited the work between Cooley and Flames goaltending coach Jason LaBarbera for preparing him for his increased role.
A Secure Future in the Flames' Crease
The two-year commitment represents a clear vote of confidence from the Flames' management. At a reasonable cap hit, the deal offers stability for both the player and the team's goaltending chart for the next several seasons.
For Cooley, the extension is a reward for seizing his opportunity and performing under pressure. For the Flames, it secures a cost-effective goaltender who has proven he can deliver quality starts when called upon, completing a remarkable journey from training camp question mark to a secured part of the team's future.
