Flames’ Dustin Wolf talks long-term future in Calgary

And even though the 2025 Calder finalist and clear No. 1 in town hasn’t put pen to paper yet, Wolf did not dispute Elliotte Friedman’s report that he has made it clear he wants to remain in Calgary long term.

“Yeah, I think it’s a great city. The fans are great,” Wolf said Monday in Henderson, Nevada, during a recording of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas.

“It’s a big city that has a small-town feel. Everyone kind of knows everyone. You cross paths with one person, then you know another. Next thing you know, you’re connected with other people in the city. And obviously we have a new building coming two summers here. It’s an exciting time. So, we’ll see what happens.”

• 32 Thoughts: The Podcast

  Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.

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The American Wolf, 24, grew up in a small town — Gilroy, California — and has quickly become a favourite of fans and teammates in his adopted NHL city, going viral by wearing a Shania Twain T-shirt to the chuckwagon races at this summer’s Stampede.

Though he never anticipated slipping to 214th at the 2019 draft, he believes things have worked out well in Alberta, where he posted a sparkling 29-16-8 record in his freshman campaign.

“I was very thankful for them to take a swing. I didn’t plan on sitting for that long,” Wolf said. “I’m glad Calgary took a swing. I love the city. I love everything about it.”

Represented by seasoned agent Pat Brisson, Wolf is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, when his two-year bridge deal ($850,000 cap hit) expires.

Naturally, Brisson and GM Craig Conroy are already thinking about a big raise for Wolf.

“They’re working, that’s about all I can really tell you,” Wolf told the Calgary Herald on Aug. 15.

“There’s talks, but nothing really confirmed yet. I’d love to stay here, and I think they want me to stay here, as well. So as soon as something comes to fruition where both of us like where we’re at, I’m sure it won’t be long after that point where pen will be to paper.”