Former Flyers Prospect Says Kolosov Has Rare Opportunity

After a long wait and a great deal of anticipation, Philadelphia Flyers goalie prospect Alexei Kolosov finally returned to North America and joined the organization at the very end of training camp.

Kolosov, 22, is a naturally quiet person, so coming to a new country with a new language at the end of the 2023-24 season represented new challenges for him.

Despite the long holdout, the Belarusian eventually returned to the Flyers, and general manager Danny Briere noted that Kolosov seemed much more comfortable and engaged this time around.

“Our goalie coaches, both here and in Lehigh, were raving about him, his work ethic, how engaged he was,” Briere had said. “But, you know, one thing that was surprising with him is how much he understands. He’s not comfortable speaking much, but he could understand quite more than I expected when when I spoke to him.”

And, although it took some convincing, one former Flyers prospect is pulling for his fellow countryman to overcome the obstacles he faces and make it to the NHL soon.

Belarusian winger Maxim Sushko, drafted 107th overall by the Flyers in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Draft, played 125 AHL games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and two NHL games with Philadelphia.

Sushko, 25, was in the system just two seasons ago. He knows as much as anyone how meaningful the organization’s support of Kolosov is.

“To be honest, I would like to see him (in the NHL). I hope that Kolosov appreciates the chance that he is given,” Sushko said. “He sees that they trust him in the club. There are no such opportunities: the club is very rarely so interested in you that it did not want to let you go back to the KHL. If Lesha understands this, then everything will be fine.”

And, while Briere did not rule out the possibility Kolosov is loaned back to the KHL later in the season, it’s equally likely the 22-year-old gets in an NHL game at least once this season.

Ivan Fedotov did allow five goals in his first start of the season against the Calgary Flames on Saturday, and the uncertainty in goal for the Flyers is one of the reasons for some unfavorable hockey betting odds, regardless of circumstance.

So long as Kolosov heeds Sushko’s advice, the future is looking bright again at the goalie position for the Flyers.