The Calgary Flames are in pursuit of University of Connecticut goaltender Callum Tung as the NHL's interest in the young netminder continues to rise following UConn's recent elimination from the NCAA tournament. The Flames, who are currently evaluating their goaltending depth, face challenges in signing Tung due to their existing roster of goalies.
Tung's impressive performance this past season has made him a sought-after prospect across the NHL. After UConn's overtime loss to Penn State, his name has been at the forefront of discussions among several NHL teams, including the Flames. However, the Flames' goaltending situation is complicated, as they currently have five goalies under contract or pending contracts: Dustin Wolf, Dan Vladar, Devin Cooley, Waltteri Ignatjew, and Connor Murphy.
Dustin Wolf is signed through the 2025-26 season, while Dan Vladar is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). The Flames recently added goalie Owen Say from college, which adds to their already crowded netminding depth. This situation raises questions about how the Flames can manage their current roster while also considering the potential addition of Tung.
According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Flames are among the teams making a serious push for Tung, who has shown tremendous potential. Friedman stated, "He’s a really talented young goaltender. People were drooling about him. There are a bunch of NHL teams chasing after this guy, and the expectation is that he’s going to have an opportunity to go right away, and probably will. I know that Calgary was one of the teams that made a real chase at him." This statement underscores the competitive landscape for Tung's services.
Tung's journey to this point has been remarkable. At 21 years old, he stands at 6'3" and weighs 198 lbs, making him an imposing figure in the crease. He had an outstanding season with the Huskies, boasting a .933 save percentage and a 10-4-1 record with a 2.01 goals-against average, which earned him a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. His standout performance included leading UConn to its first NCAA tournament appearance and securing the school's first tournament win against #11 Quinnipiac, where he made 21 saves.
Despite his success, Tung faced a tough battle in the tournament. After defeating Quinnipiac, the Huskies fell to Penn State in the next round, losing 3-2 in overtime. Tung turned away 38 shots in that game, showcasing his skills even in defeat. His efforts throughout the season have not gone unnoticed, and he is now being pursued by multiple NHL teams.
As the Flames weigh their options, they must consider their current roster dynamics. With multiple young goaltenders already in the system, including Vladar and Wolf, who is expected to be a key player moving forward, the Flames may need to make some strategic decisions. The Flames’ management is focused on developing their existing talent, which could lead them to prioritize current players over new acquisitions.
In addition to the Flames, the New York Rangers are reportedly closing in on signing Tung to an entry-level contract. According to reports, Tung is expected to join the Rangers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. This move could provide Tung with a solid opportunity to develop further in the professional ranks.
Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff confirmed that the Rangers have taken a keen interest in Tung after his impressive season at UConn. Tung's performance has made him a promising prospect, and he could potentially slot into the Rangers' plans as they look to bolster their goaltending depth. The Rangers currently hold a 35-32-7 record and are positioned just outside the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The interest in Tung reflects a broader trend in the NHL, where teams are increasingly looking to college players to fill their rosters. As the Flames and Rangers explore their options, Tung's future in the NHL appears bright, regardless of which team ultimately secures his services.
In conclusion, as the Flames navigate their goaltending situation, the pursuit of Callum Tung could prove challenging given their current depth. The ongoing interest from multiple NHL teams, including the Rangers, adds to the intrigue surrounding Tung’s future. With the Flames focusing on developing their young talent, it remains to be seen whether they can successfully integrate Tung into their plans without disrupting their existing roster dynamics.
