With Dan Vladar's departure to the Philadelphia Flyers in free agency, a significant opportunity has emerged for goaltenders Ivan Prosvetov and Devin Cooley to compete for the backup role behind the Calgary Flames' young star, Dustin Wolf.

Vladar, who signed a two-year, $6.7 million contract with the Flyers, had effectively lost his chance at the starting position to Wolf during the 2024-25 season. His exit leaves a void for a reliable backup capable of playing around 20 games a season. General Manager Craig Conroy has brought in Ivan Prosvetov, a 26-year-old Russian goalie who most recently played for CSKA Moscow in the KHL. Prosvetov has been playing in North America since 2016, with time spent in the Colorado Avalanche and Arizona Coyotes organizations. In 2023-24, he played 11 games for the Avalanche, recording a 3.16 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage. During the 2024-25 season in the KHL, Prosvetov had a 20-16-2 record with a .920 save percentage and four shutouts.

However, Prosvetov isn't the only contender for the backup spot. Devin Cooley, signed by the Flames during the previous free agency period, served as the starting goalie for the Wranglers, Calgary's AHL affiliate. Cooley posted a 21-17-5 record with a 2.94 GAA and a .905 SV% in 46 games for the Wranglers last season. He also has six games of NHL experience with the San Jose Sharks during the 2023-24 season.

Both Prosvetov and Cooley have limited NHL experience and will need to prove themselves during training camp. Jordan Sigalet, the Flames' director of goaltending, emphasized that the competition for the backup role is wide open, hoping that the two goalies will push each other. Both goalies are on one-way contracts and would need to pass through waivers to be assigned to the Wranglers, adding another layer to the competition.

The Flames believe Prosvetov has the potential to become a full-time NHL goalie. He is viewed as a goaltender with mental toughness and something to prove. Prosvetov himself is eager for the opportunity to play in the best league in the world and is looking forward to working with Dustin Wolf, potentially learning from him. Cooley, familiar with the Flames' system after his time with the Wranglers, may have an advantage in the competition. This is also a "prove it" season for Cooley, as he is in the final year of his contract.