Photo Credit: University Denver
Flyers prospect Massimo Rizzo and the University of Denver defeated former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier and Boston College this past Saturday to win the NCAA National Championship for Division 1 hockey.
Rizzo may or may not sign with the Flyers right now, as he could elect to go back to school for his Senior season. The Flyers do hold his rights until August 15, 2025.
He was taken 216th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. Rizzo attended the University of Denver for hockey purposes, and the Forward started to come along nicely. Many thought that Rizzo would be the steal of the draft. At 22-years of age, Rizzo may/may not be that far off from the NHL. However, there is so much to like about this prospect. He’s got a fantastic skill set, and a good pair of hands. If the Flyers sign him he would report to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, but he’s got other ideas on his mind right now as the University of Denver beat Boston University last night to secure a matchup in a National Championship game for Division 1 in the NCAA.
When he was at the Carolina Hurricanes prospect camp, his skill was on display in a big way. With great hands, Rizzo also understands how to play the game defensively, however, there is a lot to like about Rizzo’s trajection. The Flyers have retained his rights until August 15, 2025. For his efforts, he lead the nation in points at one point in the NCAA for the University of Denver with 17 points (5g,12a) in just eight games played. This was good enough for an average of 2.12 points per game. So just who is the overeager at the NCAA level in Rizzo, who is 22-years of age?
The one area I like about Rizzo’s game the most is he able to get pucks to the middle, and that is something that you need to do in order to make it in the NHL. He is creative with the puck on his stick, and that makes him very difficult to defend against. Rizzo is able to deke around defenders, even though his skating can improve. Most prospects can get better at skating, however, it’s not a weakness to his game. Rizzo just isn’t the best skater, and that’s an area he can improve upon.
This is a player with NHL skill and Rizzo is a bit raw in areas. However, one can sense his talent when they watch him play. Rizzo is experienced with playing in the NCAA, so at least he’s playing in a league where there are some men on the team
He is 5’11 and weighs 175 pounds. Rizzo is a native of Burnaby, British Columbia. Rizzo beats defenders off the rush. He is a skilled stickhandler who is tough to move off the puck, especially when he accelerates. Will he sign an Entry-Level-Contract with the orange and black this season remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain. Rizzo is very talented.
Rizzo projects, at least for now, to be a solid bottom six player in the NHL, after netting 10 goals and registering 34 assists in 29 games played. Things change rapidly in this sport, so anything can happen. It’s hard to judge how prospects will pan out, however, Rizzo does have the talent to succeed in the NHL, that much is certain.
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Alexei Kolosov
Kolosov played well this past season for the Dinamo Minsk in the KHL. He stands at 6’1 and weighs 187 pounds. Kolosov played in arguably 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 2.55 GAA, and amassed a .912 Save Percentage in 42 games played in 2022-23.
He made his North American debit with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this past Saturday, a game that Kolosov and the Phantoms won 5-4 in overtime. Kolosov needs time to get adjusted to the North American rink size, and speed of the game. He will be just fine.
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 has played in the KHL for developmental reasons. It really shows the potential of Kolosov. He will challenge Felix Sandström (If he still remains with club), and Cal Peterson for the backup job to Samuel Ersson in 2024-25, as he will more than likely start his professional career out with the Phantoms.
