Flyers’ Alexei Kolosov Advised to Return: ‘You Have A Chance’

Top Philadelphia Flyers prospect Alexei Kolosov was recommended to return to North America and give his NHL career aspirations one more try by a former teammate earlier this month.

Belarusian forward Alexander Skorenov, who plays left wing for KHL outfit Severstal Cherepovets, offered Kolosov some sage advice as the goalie’s future with the Flyers continues to remain uncertain.

“At a conscious age, he signed a contract with Philadelphia. This is a dream and a goal for him. Yes, they signed (Ivan Fedotov), but you signed a contract. You have a chance,” Skorenov said via Telegram. “You already played for Dinamo Minsk, you have the opportunity.

“For my part, I would go. Less than 22 years old, all life ahead, in KHL will have time to return. Dinamo will take it with pleasure, and he will grow as his own if he plays well there, at least in the AHL. Here he shows a good level. It’s worth a try.”

Skorenov, 24, played for the Belarus U20 program in 2018-19, and Kolosov participated in the program’s development camp at the same time.

Other notable Belarusian prospects who played for the Belarus U20s that year, like Vancouver Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo, Washington Capitals forward Alexei Protas, and Calgary Flames defenseman Ilya Solovyov, have all put in major time in the AHL in hopes of competing for the Stanley Cup in the greatest hockey league in the world someday.

Kolosov appeared in only two games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season, going 1-1-0 with a 3.03 GAA and a .885 save percentage, and showing a marked improvement from his first game to his second.

Added Skorenov: “He stayed (in North America) very little, maybe something made him dislike. It’s normal. Maybe he will come and like it now. When you yourself want to leave from there, there may be an opinion not very good among other managers.”

Skorenov’s last bit of advice for Kolosov may be the most important of all.

If it is found that the Flyers prospect is trying to strong-arm his way back to the KHL to play for Minsk, it’s not likely that many NHL teams, including the Flyers, would be willing to give Kolosov another opportunity at the NHL in the future if he will not honor the contract he signed now.

Skorenov also knows that an opportunity to make a career in the NHL does not come by often, and Kolosov would be foolish to pass it up without trying.

The Flyers are sure to agree, but they can’t afford to wait around for the 22-year-old goalie forever.