Exploring A Flyers Goalie Tandem Of Sam Ersson And Aleksei Kolosov; What's Next For Ivan Fedotov?

siobhan nolan

Sun, Nov 3, 2024, 11:00 a.m.·4 min read

The Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a pivotal moment when it comes to their goaltending situation. With Sam Ersson showing promising signs as the starting goaltender and 22-year-old rookie Aleksei Kolosov recently being called up and stepping into the backup role with potential, the question of what to do with Ivan Fedotov looms large.

Ivan Fedotov (82).<p>Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News</p> — Ivan Fedotov (82).
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News

The Flyers have invested heavily in grooming talented goaltenders through their system, but most of their young prospects are still years away from being NHL-ready. This means that Ersson and Kolosov may very well define Philadelphia's goaltending future, and how they perform this season could signal a shift for the Flyers' plans in the crease.

The idea of an Ersson-Kolosov tandem offers the Flyers an intriguing mix of experience and fresh potential. Sam Ersson has shown that he has the composure and talent necessary to be a reliable NHL starter, with a combination of poise, quick reflexes, and a steadfast confidence in net.

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However, Ersson's recent lower-body injury, served as a reminder that goaltenders are rarely immune to the physical demands of the game. While the injury was thankfully minor, it underscores the importance of having a solid backup who can step in when needed.

Aleksei Kolosov could be that backup. Though he's still very green in the NHL, his recent performances—especially stepping in against a historically challenging opponent like the Boston Bruins—showcase his readiness to adapt to high-stakes situations.

Kolosov's ability to maintain calm under pressure, combined with his natural athleticism, suggests he could give the Flyers a steady option when Ersson needs relief. Should Kolosov continue to perform well, he could prove himself as more than just a temporary fix, potentially solidifying a longer-term role with the team.

The Flyers' goaltending depth chart is suddenly crowded at the top, and Fedotov's rocky start this season complicates matters. Despite his size and prior success in the KHL, Fedotov has struggled to adjust to the NHL's pace, consistency, and workload. While it's still early, Fedotov's slow start may be enough for the Flyers to consider other options, particularly if Kolosov continues to develop positively.

If Kolosov shows he can handle the NHL's demands, the Flyers could look to either reassign Fedotov to the AHL or explore trade options. However, this is obviously easier said than done.

Due to Fedotov's unique contract situation and recent struggles, he may not be an attractive trade asset. Reassigning him to the AHL, while not ideal, could give him a chance to find his rhythm at a different pace, possibly restoring his value over time. For Fedotov, more regular minutes in the AHL could be beneficial, allowing him to regain his confidence and adapt more gradually to North American play.

The situation also highlights a larger challenge facing the Flyers: the lack of goaltending depth that's NHL-ready. They've invested in drafting and developing goalies, with promising prospects like Carson Bjarnason and Yegor Zavragin in the pipeline, but most of them are still honing their skills in juniors or overseas. This means that, for the foreseeable future, the stability of the Flyers' net hinges largely on the success of their current goaltenders.

Carson Bjarnason.<p>Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News</p> — Carson Bjarnason.
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News

The Flyers can't afford to have just one goaltender carrying the load, especially given Ersson's recent injury scare and the concerns of burnout very much carrying over from last season. While Kolosov may be able to handle the role of a capable backup, the Flyers will need to ensure he's truly prepared for the NHL's rigors.

Should Kolosov falter or face his own challenges, Fedotov could still have an opportunity to redeem himself. However, the reality remains that if the Flyers want a reliable, long-term answer in net, they may need to explore backup options outside of their immediate roster or make some tough decisions about which goaltenders to prioritize in the coming months.

If the Flyers manage this situation carefully, the emergence of Ersson and Kolosov could signal the beginning of a solid foundation in net. However, success will require patience, flexibility, and decisive action from the Flyers' coaching staff and management.

An Ersson-Kolosov tandem offers a glimpse of what could be a reliable pairing, but the Flyers need to ensure both goaltenders get the support and development they need.

For now, Fedotov's future remains uncertain, but his presence offers a degree of insurance if injuries or inconsistency strike. Ersson's early-season performances have provided the Flyers with a strong presence in net, and if Kolosov seizes his opportunity, the Flyers could find themselves with a dependable tandem to build around.