Brief Introduction of Devin Cooley
Devin Cooley is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 25, 1997, in Los Gatos, California, Cooley has carved out a professional career through perseverance and dedication, despite going undrafted in the NHL Entry Draft. Known for his large frame, standing at 6 feet 5 inches, he has steadily climbed the professional hockey ladder from the ECHL to the AHL and ultimately to the NHL. Cooley’s journey is a testament to his resilience, having played for several organizations, including the Nashville Predators, Buffalo Sabres, and San Jose Sharks, before joining the Calgary Flames. His story gained significant attention when he made his NHL debut for his hometown team, the San Jose Sharks, a deeply meaningful experience for the Los Gatos native.
Devin Cooley Overview
| Full Name | Devin Cooley |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Los Gatos, California, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Goaltender |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Parents: Scott and Heynia Cooley; Brothers: Ryan and Brandon |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $4 million |
Early Life and Education of Devin Cooley
Devin Cooley was born and raised in Los Gatos, California, a town in the San Francisco Bay Area. Growing up, his family were San Jose Sharks season ticket holders, which sparked his early interest in hockey. As a child, he had the opportunity to meet one of his idols, former Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, who even showed him how to break in a goalie glove. This early exposure to professional hockey fueled his passion for the sport. Cooley’s developmental years were spent with the San Jose Jr. Sharks program, where he played at the U14, U16, and U18 levels before moving on to junior hockey. He attended Los Gatos High School, graduating before embarking on his junior hockey career. His journey through the junior ranks was extensive, with stops in several leagues across North America. He played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the United States Hockey League (USHL), the Springfield Jr. Blues in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), and the Wenatchee Wild in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Following his junior career, Cooley committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Denver.
Devin Cooley’s Career
Cooley’s collegiate career with the University of Denver Pioneers spanned three seasons. In his sophomore year (2018-19), he had a standout season, posting a .934 save percentage in 20 games. After his junior season, Cooley signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators on September 29, 2020. His professional career began in the 2020-21 season, which he primarily spent with the Predators’ ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades, where he earned ECHL Goaltender of the Week honors. Over the next few seasons, he primarily played for the Predators’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. On July 1, 2023, Cooley signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres. He was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, to start the 2023-24 season and was briefly recalled to the Sabres but did not see any game action. A significant turning point in his career came on March 8, 2024, when he was traded to his hometown team, the San Jose Sharks. Cooley made his long-awaited NHL debut for the Sharks on March 17, 2024. He recorded his first NHL win on April 6, 2024, in an overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues. Following his stint with the Sharks, Cooley signed a two-year contract with the Calgary Flames on July 1, 2024.
Devin Cooley Personal Life & Family
Devin Cooley comes from a close-knit family. His parents are Scott and Heynia Cooley, and he has two brothers named Ryan and Brandon. His family’s support has been a constant throughout his hockey journey. During his time playing for the San Jose Sharks, Cooley lived with his father in the same house he grew up in, a unique and heartwarming experience he openly shared. His mother has been an emotional supporter at his games, often seen tearing up with pride. Cooley has a philosophical and introspective approach to the mental side of goaltending, often repeating phrases to himself to stay grounded during games. He has mentioned being a “huge pizza guy,” with Pizza My Heart and Roundtable being his go-to spots in his hometown. Information regarding his marital status or romantic relationships is not publicly available.
Awards and Achievements of Devin Cooley
- AHL All-Star Game (Pacific) – 2024-25
- ECHL Brabham Cup (Regular Season Champion) – 2020-21
- ECHL Goaltender of the Week (12/14-12/20) – 2020-21
- NCAA (NCHC) Champion – 2017-18
- Received Pioneers’ Bill Masterton Award as the team MVP (with Filip Larsson) – 2018-19
- Received the Pioneers’ Murray Armstrong Award as the most improved player – 2018-19
- NCHC Goalie of the Week (Oct. 15, 2018, Feb. 18, 2019, Dec. 16, 2019)
- NCHC Academic All-Conference Team
- NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete
Devin Cooley Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Devin Cooley’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. His primary source of income is his professional hockey contracts. His career earnings through the 2025 season are reported to be over $960,000. He signed a two-year, $1,550,000 contract with the Calgary Flames in July 2024, which carries an average annual salary of $775,000. His previous contracts include a two-year, $1.57 million entry-level deal with the Nashville Predators, a one-year, $787,500 contract with the Predators, and a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Buffalo Sabres. His salary in the minor leagues has been lower, with his 2024-25 minors salary being $400,000.
Legacy and Influence
Devin Cooley’s legacy is still being written, but his journey serves as an inspiration for undrafted players who aspire to reach the highest levels of professional hockey. His perseverance through various minor leagues and his eventual breakthrough into the NHL highlight the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. His story resonates particularly in the San Jose hockey community, where he is a product of the Jr. Sharks program. His NHL debut with the hometown Sharks was a significant moment, showcasing the growth of hockey in the Bay Area. Cooley is also known for his candid and unique perspective on the mental challenges of being a goaltender, offering a glimpse into the psychological fortitude required for the position. He has spoken about dealing with setbacks and maintaining a positive mindset, which can influence younger players facing similar challenges in their careers.
Interesting Facts about Devin Cooley
- He has a philosophical approach to goaltending, using a form of “existential nihilism” to stay in the present moment during games. He repeats phrases like “Nothing matters. Nobody cares. We’re all going to die,” to keep himself from getting too excited or overwhelmed.
- When he was traded to the San Jose Sharks, he lived with his father in his childhood home.
- As a child and a member of the Jr. Sharks program, he met his idol, former Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov, who taught him how to break in his goalie glove.
- He is a big fan of pizza, citing Pizza My Heart and Roundtable as his favorite spots in the San Jose area.
- He participated in development camps for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks during his college years.
- His favorite movie is “Miracle,” and his favorite TV show is “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies involving Devin Cooley.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Devin Cooley
Devin Cooley’s career is a compelling narrative of resilience and a testament to the idea that the path to the NHL is not always linear. From going undrafted to battling through the minor leagues, he has earned his opportunities at every level. His time with his hometown San Jose Sharks was a particularly poignant chapter in his story, and he now continues his journey with the Calgary Flames. Known for his thoughtful and unique mental approach to the game, Cooley has established himself as a capable NHL goaltender. As he continues to compete for a permanent spot in the league, his journey will undoubtedly be one to watch for aspiring hockey players and fans alike. His work ethic and dedication suggest that he will continue to strive for excellence in the years to come.
