The Flyers are trying to figure out what to do with Alexei Kolosov.
He didn’t show up for rookie camp and likely won’t attend training camp either. Instead, he wants to go back to Belarus for the 2024-25 season. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Flyers are open to trading him, but it seems Kolosov still wants to return home no matter what.
Communication issues between the Flyers and Kolosov have left many puzzled. Ian Laperriere mentioned that players from the Phantoms tried several times to get Kolosov involved in team activities, but he refused. Last season, Kolosov played two games for the Phantoms, ending with a 1-1-0 record and a .885 save percentage. He spent most of his time with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL, where he had a 22-21-3 record and a .907 SV%. Over four years in the KHL, he has maintained a .909 SV%, showing little interest in staying in North America .
Trade Talks:
The Flyers want a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft for Kolosov, but teams are hesitant. It’s unclear if Kolosov dislikes playing abroad or just isn’t happy with the Flyers specifically. Fans might think it’s too risky to give up such a valuable draft pick if he’s not planning on returning.
If willing to come back under another team, clubs like Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested. The Flames need someone strong beside Dustin Wolf; Blackhawks might want someone better than Drew Commesso; Avalanche’s interest in Yaroslav Askarov shows they need long-term solutions despite limited draft picks; Lightning has extra second-round picks from trades and might trade one for better backup goaltending next season.
What do you think? Should they keep trying or let him go?
