Top Flames prospect Dustin Wolf named AHL MVP

Dustin Wolf has claimed the most valuable player award in the American Hockey League this season.

Next up, likely an even bigger prize for the 22-year-old Californian: a spot in the National Hockey League in 2023-24. That'll mean one of Jacob Markstrom or Dan Vladar will be wearing different NHL silks next season, but the Calgary Flames need a GM to navigate the summertime NHL market first.

Wolf snagged the Les Cunningham Award on Friday as the AHL's MVP thanks to his sterling performance in the Calgary Wranglers' net, topping the circuit's statistical chart in save percentage (.932), goals-against average (2.09), wins (42) and shutouts (7) for the league's top team.

The seventh-round Flames pick in the 2019 NHL Draft played 55 games for the Wranglers, going 42-10-2.

“It means a lot, it’s super special, but it comes back to all the guys in the room,” said Wolf, who won in his NHL debut April 12 in a 3-1 Flames win over the San Jose Sharks. “The individual recognition doesn’t come without their help throughout the year."