Aleksei Kolosov has proven that he needed more seasoning and more time to hone in on his development as a Goaltender. Mind you, he is just 22-years of age, so there is no reason to write him off just yet. These type of struggles are typical for young netminder’s, especially those that are trying to adapt to North America.
The Flyers sent Kolosov back to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms a few weeks ago, a Flyers affiliate. Danny Briere said at his mid-season presser, as far as he knew, Aleksei Kolosov was willing to go to the AHL, as needed. There was maybe some doubt initially that would actually transpire, but in the end Kolosov did in fact report to the Phantoms.
It’s an adjustment to get acclimated to North America. To give Kolosov credit, he played well back in Lehigh. A week later the Flyers since Kolosov found a groove back with the Phantoms. He was recalled to the big club. That’s where it gets pretty weird and perplexing.
Most players would be happy with a recall, mainly for money purposes, but Kolosov has yet to suit up for a game, let alone be the backup. Ivan Fedotov has backed up Samuel Ersson the past three games, with Kolosov being a healthy scratch, so this recall to the big club is kind of perplexing. This depleted with talent, Flyers team, has been disastrous for the past few weeks. Bringing Kolosov back into the mix, or fold is a weird one, especially with former Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella being fired.
It may now appear that the Kolosov call-up was Tortorella’s call in the end, as Fedotov continues to backup Ersson, with Interim Head Coach Brad Shaw in the fold now.
Grant it, Fedotov played very bad the past two games.that he played in, while accumulating a .709 Save Percentage in the process with both games combined. So why hasn’t Kolosov backed up Ersson? Why recall Kolosov, when he could be helping with their playoff push? These questions will have to wait until exit interviews, and I will ask General Manager Danny Briere those said questions.
It’s simple, send him back to Lehigh so it helps, not only with the playoff push, but development, as well. From sources, Kolosov has been happy playing in Lehigh, so why stunt his growth as a healthy scratch. Due the kid justice, and send him back.
We shall how this goes, but it will be an interesting last few weeks in Flyerland.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
You’ve really made things easy to understand, thanks!