If you’ve read FlamesNation since its inception, you’re undoubtedly familiar with one simple drafting philosophy our staff has trumpeted for over a decade: never take goalies early. It’s nothing against the goalies expected to go early in each year’s draft – we’re pretty sure that Jesper Wallstedt and Sebastian Cossa are fine prospects and will be fine goaltenders.
It’s just that the Flames franchise, whether based in Atlanta or Calgary, have historically been quite bad at converting goalies from draft picks into NHL players. Here’s a brief history of the goalies the Flames have selected, from Blum to Chechelev.