Devin Cooley | G | Calgary Flames | 45% Rostered
6 GP | 4-2-0 | 2.67 GAA | .915 SV%
Hockey interviews are usually as predictable as a Tuesday night in November, but Devin Cooley didn’t get the memo. Calgary’s goalie has gone viral for postgame answers that sound more like a psychology lecture than “we just have to get pucks deep.” He has a pet rabbit named Tito and studies advanced math for fun. Fantasy managers care about one thing, though: can he stop the puck? Lately, the answer is yes.
The run
Cooley’s season started rough. Through his first three appearances he was 1-2-0 with a 4.00 GAA and an .868 save percentage. Then he flipped the switch. He has won four straight starts and allowed only six goals in that stretch. The run began with a 34-save win over the Carolina Hurricanes on October 18, and he turned away 66 of 68 shots during his hottest stretch, which earned him a Second Star of the Week nod.
Cooley credits the turnaround to getting out of his own head. He has said he plays better when he trusts his instincts instead of overthinking every movement. The results back that up: he has been bailing out a Flames team that hasn’t given him much goal support.
The fantasy case
Even after his ugly first week, Cooley’s .915 save percentage is respectable, and his numbers during the streak are outstanding. He’s also the hot hand in Calgary right now, with four straight starts and four straight wins. Starts drive fantasy value for goalies, and Cooley is earning his. If the streak continues, the Flames will have a tough call to make about their crease.
The risk
Cooley is 29 and doesn’t have a long NHL résumé to fall back on. Every hot streak ends eventually, and when his does, he could slide back into a smaller share of the starts. Calgary isn’t an offensive powerhouse either, so wins won’t always come easily.
Verdict: Add him and ride the hot hand. Cooley deserves a roster spot in most leagues and is a must-add in deeper formats. Keep starting him while he’s rolling, and keep an eye on Calgary’s crease. If he holds the job, he’s a legitimate fantasy goalie. If he doesn’t, he’s still a useful streamer.