The NHL draft for the Flyers was unlike some that we have seen in recent years. Trading for a check, not having a first round pick, these are some things that we’re a little different in 2021. Nonetheless, the Flyers selected six players, and today we will focus on Alexsei Kolosov and Brian Zanetti who were selected in rounds 3 and 4.
Alexsei Kolosov
Kolosov is a goalie who plays for the Dinamo Minsk in the KHL. He stands at 6’1 and weighs 187 pounds. Kolosov plays in the second toughest league in the world, as he moves laterally post to post well.
This young native of Belarus in Kolosov was born on January 4, 2002 in Minsk, BLR. He breathed, and started playing the sport of hockey practically from birth. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Minsk as he registered a commanding 2.23 GAA, and amassed a .910 Save Percentage in just nine games played.
The young 19-year-old prospect worked his tail off in the off-season to improve his game. He is seasoned and gaining experience. A team can never have too many goalies in their system. I think Fletcher really liked that he was seasoned, thus selecting Kolosov.
“Kenny Hoodikoff, our Russian scout, and Joak identified him early, playing in Minsk, and then we had our goalie guys monitor him closely. They were really high on his athleticism. Obviously got to play a lot in the KHL as a young goalie, which is a rarity. Not only play, but play well while seeing a lot of shots and in a tough situation. He’s a talented guy, very athletic and a guy our goalie guys are confident they can mold into an NHL goalie. In the third round, it was certainly picked out. We were hoping to get him there and it worked out.” – Flyers Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr
Kolosov has good reflexes like Felix Sandström, posseses an outstanding work ethic, and good rebound control. The Flyers have no reason to rush this young netminder, but it does help that he plays in the KHL for developmental reasons. It really shows on the potential of this goalie to excel for the Flyers in the future.
Brian Zanetti
Zanetti was selected in the fourth round by the Flyers, and he is a smooth skating left-handed shot defenseman. He is a native of Switzerland, and he will play in the OHL for the Peterborough Petes this coming season.
This young 18-year-old defenseman would have played for the Petes this past season, however, the OHL canceled their season. Zanetti was fortunate enough to go back to Switzerland and play for the Lugano U20 team. He showed his range, and capabilities as he tallied nine goals, and registered 20 assists for a total of 29 points in 41 games played.
“Zanetti is a Swiss-born defenseman. Played at the Under-18s and plays overseas. He’s actually coming over to Peterborough in the Ontario Hockey League this year to play which will be great for development. He’s a tall lanky kid. Needs time to fill out and get stronger. Mobile, long, can defend and move the puck. He’s a really interesting kid. He’s got some rawness to him, but a kid that against the top competition in the world in the end, stood out on his team there. A guy that will certainly help along here to develop.”– Brent Flahr
Zanetti needs time to develop. Like most prospects he has to get bigger and stronger, he’s a bit lanky, and he reminds me of the build of Mason Millman when he was first drafted by the Flyers. However, Zanetti likes to join the rush, and is a smooth skating defenseman.
Brian is a solid two-way defenceman, has good puck skills, and uses his size well to protect the puck. He closes gaps well which is a bonus, but he needs to work on playing the body more as well.
There is some rawness, but he knows what he needs to work on. He has the height is he stands at 6’2, now he just needs to fill in. That will come in time.
