Alexei Kolosov, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL Photos)
Photo Credit: The Lehigh Valley Phantoms
The NHL Draft for the Flyers was unlike some had seen in recent years in 2021. Trading for a Czech, not having a first round pick, these are some things that were a little different in 2021. Nonetheless, the Flyers selected six players, and Kolosov signed an Entry-Level-Contract in Kolosov. His ELC was worth $950,000 per year, worth $2.775 million for three years, and it should begin in 2024-25.
Kolosov made his 2023-24 season debut in dramatic fashion as he pitched a 26 save shutout in a 6-0 Dinamo Minsk victory. For the season, he compiled a 22-21-3 record with a 2.39 GAA, and a .907 Save Percentage. Today the Flyers received great news as the Dinamo Minsk officially announced that Kolosov will be heading to North America to pursue his dreams with the orange and black.
He played well this past season for the Dinamo Minsk in the KHL. Kolosov stands at 6’1 and weighs 187 pounds. He played in arguably the second toughest league in the world, as he moves laterally post to post well. Kolosov even suited up in two games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season, but was apparently homesick.
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Much has been made this past offseason that he did not intend on coming back to North America, well now the organization finally has a clear answer as to such. Barring something unforeseen, Kolosov is not on the Flyers Rookie Camp roster. He is a rookie, and thus should report. This means, more than likely he will not report for training camp, as well.
This does not bode well for the organization, as it now appears they may have lost two top prospects in the matter of one year. Actually, this may set the rebuild back by a year. This is actually a tough hurdle to overcome, believe it or not, but the orange and black have to do it.
I actually agree and like Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere playing hardball with Kolosov and his side. Kolosov is currently under contract that is binded to the Flyers organization. He cannot play in the KHL unless he is loaned, or plays without the Flyers consent. In that event, any KHL team that allows him to play under these circumstances could face heavy sanctions, much like CSKA faced with Ivan Fedotov.
The orange and black will most likely toll Kolosov’s contract, that way his rights remain under the Flyers control, in the event he decides to return to eventually play in North America.
