Devin Cooley Bio
Devin Cooley is an American professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 25, 1997, in Los Gatos, California, he developed his skills through junior programs and college hockey before embarking on a professional career. Standing 196 centimeters tall and weighing 87 kilograms, Cooley uses his size and athleticism to anchor the net for his team. After progressing through several minor leagues, he reached the NHL with the San Jose Sharks in 2024 and later signed with the Calgary Flames.
Early Life and Background
Devin Cooley was born and raised in Los Gatos, California, a community in the San Francisco Bay Area known for producing athletes across many sports. Growing up in California, Cooley began playing organized hockey at a young age and joined the San Jose Jr Sharks, a youth program affiliated with the San Jose Sharks organization. His early development in this competitive environment helped him build a foundation as a goaltender and prepared him for higher levels of the sport.
As he progressed through his teenage years, Cooley moved on to more advanced junior teams, including the Muskegon Lumberjacks, the Springfield Jr. Blues, and the Wenatchee Wild. Each stop offered him valuable experience and exposure to different playing styles. These formative years in junior hockey were essential in shaping the technical and mental skills he would rely on as a professional.
Path to Hockey
Following his junior career, Cooley committed to the University of Denver, where he played three seasons of NCAA Division I hockey. During his time with the Pioneers, he appeared in 32 games and posted impressive numbers, including a .927 save percentage, a 1.93 goals against average, and six shutouts. His collegiate performance drew the attention of National Hockey League scouts and established him as a promising goaltending prospect.
After completing his college eligibility, Cooley signed with the Nashville Predators as an undrafted free agent. He began his professional career in the 2020–21 season with the Predators’ ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades. Over the following two seasons, he primarily played for the Predators’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, continuing to refine his game against more experienced competition.
Devin Cooley Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Cooley opened his professional journey in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades during the 2020–21 season, where he gained his first taste of paid professional hockey. The experience allowed him to adjust to the speed and physicality of the professional game while serving as a developing prospect within the Nashville Predators organization. He worked closely with goaltending coaches to refine his positioning and rebound control.
Following his time in the ECHL, Cooley moved up to the American Hockey League, where he spent two seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals. As the Predators’ top minor league affiliate, the Admirals provided a challenging environment that helped him prepare for a potential NHL opportunity. His steady improvement in the AHL positioned him as a reliable goaltending prospect ready for the next step.
NHL Breakthrough with San Jose Sharks (2024)
Before the 2023–24 NHL season, Cooley signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres as a free agent. He was assigned to Buffalo’s AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, where he posted a 3–0–1 record before being recalled on an emergency basis to back up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Although he served as the backup on October 29, 2023, he did not see game action and was returned to Rochester shortly afterward.
On March 8, 2024, the Sabres traded Cooley to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. He was initially assigned to the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, but was quickly recalled to back up his former University of Denver teammate, Magnus Chrona. Cooley made his NHL debut on March 17, 2024, in a 5–2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Less than a month later, on April 6, he recorded his first NHL win, a 3–2 overtime victory over the St. Louis Blues, marking a memorable milestone in his young career.
Calgary Flames Era (2024–Present)
Following his debut season in the NHL, Cooley became a free agent and signed a two-year contract with the Calgary Flames on July 1, 2024. The move gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a new organization and continue his development at the highest level. His contract runs through the 2025–26 season, providing stability as he works to establish himself as a full-time NHL goaltender.
Joining the Flames marked a fresh chapter for Cooley, who brought with him the experience of his NHL debut and first win with the Sharks. His size, athleticism, and technical training from the University of Denver and the Predators organization made him an intriguing addition to Calgary’s goaltending group. He continues to work toward earning consistent NHL playing time with his new team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cooley is recognized for his tall frame, which helps him cover the upper portion of the net, and for the strong fundamental technique he developed during his college years at the University of Denver. His collegiate statistics, including a .927 save percentage and six shutouts in 32 games, demonstrated his ability to remain composed under pressure. Coaches have noted his work ethic, lateral quickness, and willingness to learn from veteran goaltenders.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Cooley’s career came on April 6, 2024, when he earned his first NHL win in overtime against the St. Louis Blues while playing for the San Jose Sharks. His NHL debut on March 17, 2024, against the Chicago Blackhawks also marked the realization of a lifelong dream for the Los Gatos native. Earlier, his standout college statistics at the University of Denver established him as a goaltender capable of competing at the professional level.
Devin Cooley Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Devin Cooley has accumulated wins across multiple leagues, beginning in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades and continuing through the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals and Rochester Americans. His first NHL victory came on April 6, 2024, in a 3–2 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues while playing for the San Jose Sharks. As he continues his tenure with the Calgary Flames, Cooley is focused on adding to his win total at the NHL level.
NHL and Minor League Highlights
Cooley’s first NHL start and win with the San Jose Sharks in 2024 stand as the most significant achievements of his professional career to date. In the AHL, he posted a strong 3–0–1 record with the Rochester Americans before his recall to Buffalo, showcasing his ability to win consistently in the minor leagues. His progression from the ECHL to the AHL and ultimately the NHL reflects years of steady development.
Devin Cooley Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Devin Cooley’s family background and personal life are not widely publicized, and he has kept much of his private life out of the public eye. Born and raised in Los Gatos, California, he credits his upbringing in the Bay Area with sparking his early interest in hockey. He maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his career through his verified accounts.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Devin Cooley is in the second year of his two-year contract with the Calgary Flames and is looking to build on his NHL experience gained with the San Jose Sharks. The Flames organization provides him with an opportunity to compete for playing time within their goaltending rotation. His training and preparation during the offseason will be crucial as he aims to solidify his role at the NHL level.
With continued development and consistent performances, Cooley has the potential to become a reliable presence in the Calgary net. His journey from undrafted college free agent to NHL goaltender reflects perseverance and dedication to the sport. The 2025 season represents an important opportunity for him to demonstrate that his late-season success with the Sharks was the beginning of a sustained NHL career.