Cooley Named 2026 Masterton Nominee

The Flames announced today that Devin Cooley has been nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Calgary chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA). The annual award goes to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

From the PHWA:

Devin Cooley’s journey to becoming a full time NHL goaltender is a testament to perseverance. The undrafted Northern California native spent three years as a backup at the University of Denver and five more as a minor league depth goalie, including two stints in the ECHL. After failing to gain traction with Nashville, Buffalo, and San Jose, he arrived in Calgary in 2024 with just six NHL games on his résumé. He broke out as an AHL All Star that season before a severe concussion in January derailed his season and threatened his career. Instead of fading, Cooley fought back, earning a full time NHL role at age 28. His 2.49 GAA and .915 save percentage have made him one of the Flames’ biggest revelations, as he sits amongst the league’s statistical leaders. Through every setback, Cooley’s optimism, work ethic, and candid personality have shone through, culminating in a two year extension and meaningful community work with Parachutes for Pets.

Two Flames - Gary Roberts in 1996, and Lanny McDonald in 1983 - have previously won the award.

Justin Kirkland was the team's nominee last season.

Sean Monahan (Columbus), Connor Ingram (Arizona), Kris Letang (Pittsburgh), Carey Price (Montreal) and Oskar Lindblom (Philadelphia) are the past five winners.

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy was first presented by the NHL Writers Association in 1968 to commemorate the late William Masterton, a player for the Minnesota North Stars who exhibited, to a high degree, the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Masterton died on Jan. 15, 1968 after an injury sustained during a hockey game. Two Flames have won the trophy, Lanny McDonald in 1983 and Gary Roberts in 1996.