On Friday, the NHL Network announced their top 10 goalies today, a list compiled by former puck-stopper turned analyst Kevin Weekes.
The veteran of 348 NHL games and long-time analyst picked Winnipeg Jets netminder and reigning Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck as the best goalie in the league.
After Hellebuyck, Weekes named several goalies who have skated at the Saddledome in the past two weeks, including Logan Thompson and Mackenzie Blackwood, plus a former franchise goalie, Jacob Markstrom.
Meanwhile, at No. 9, cracking the top 10 is Calgary Flames rookie goalie Dustin Wolf.
The 23-year-old California native is 19-11-2 in 32 games, collecting two shutouts to produce a 2.63 GAA and .913 SV%. Moreover, he’s 13-6-1 at home, with a home-win total that ranks fifth in the NHL.
When Wolf collects his 20th win, he’ll become one of just 12 goalies to reach the plateau. However, three other goalies are also sitting on 19 wins.
Regarding his place among rookie goalies, Wolf is the leader with 19 wins, a seven-game lead over Justus Annunen (Nashville). His SV% ranks second behind Leevi Meriläinen (Ottawa) among netminders who have played more than ten games.
Interestingly, Wolf leads all rookie goalies with three assists and is the only one to be called for a penalty.
Historically, Wolf has recorded the second-best rookie season totals in Flames history, chasing Hall of Famer Mike Vernon‘s 1986-87 season, when he went 30-22-1 in 55 games.
Despite being a long shot for the Vezina Trophy, competing against several veterans on this list for the honors, Wolf is a dark horse for the Calder Trophy, something no one on this top 10 ever achieved.
