If Flyers' Alexei Kolosov is To Be Traded, Nashville Predators Must Show Interest
The Predators need to find a good young goalie to bolster their organizational depth now that Askarov has moved on.
If Flyers' Alexei Kolosov is To Be Traded, Nashville Predators Must Show InterestThe Nashville Predators recently traded away top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov who was next in line to step into the NHL and back up Juuse Saros. With the eight-year extension to the franchise goalie, it spelled an eventual parting of Nashville and Askarov.
Magnus Chroma was brought into the organization in that trade with the San Jose Sharks, but he and Askarov are not on the same level. Chroma is 24 years old and split time between the ECHL, AHL, and NHL last season. He didn't put up good numbers in the AHL or NHL, so there isn't a very high chance he becomes an option the Predators can turn to in net as a backup soon despite his NHL experience.
That being said, the Predators do need to bolster their organizational goaltending depth now that Askarov is gone. While it could take a number of years to hit on and develop a strong goalie prospect, it is very possible the trade market has something better for Nashville, and closer to being NHL-ready.
Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers are experiencing a bump in the road with goalie prospect Alexei Kolosov. It was reported that he would likely not be at Flyers training camp and he is currently absent from Philadelphia's rookie camp.
Kolosov had an impressive full season in the KHL in 2023-24, playing 47 games and posting a 2.39 GAA and .907 SV%. He came over to North America and played two games for the Flyers' AHL team, recording not so great numbers. Whether this impacted his desire to stay in North America and spend a full season in the AHL/possibly NHL, it appears as though he wants to play in the KHL this season.
The Flyers had to move on from top prospect Cutter Gauthier this past season, so there may be an issue in the organization that doesn't sit well with Kolosov and makes him want to play elsewhere. It's not like there's a lack of opportunity in net for him and the future number one spot is up for grabs. The Flyers aren't exactly in a rebuild, but they aren't going to compete for a Stanley Cup this season either.
If something isn't resolved, it could lead to Kolosov wanting an opportunity in another organization, more likely for internal reasons. He is a talented netminder and the Predators will eventually have a spot in the backup role behind Saros for a young goalie like Kolosov. The cost to acquire him, if he even lands on the trade block, is anybody's guess at this time. There are a lot of moving pieces that could fluctuate the price tag.
In the meantime, the Predators should be on the lookout for a solid younger goalie for the future while hoping for the best production from a driven Scott Wedgewood this season behind Saros.