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Flyers' Egor Zavragin Repeats Rare KHL Club Achievement
Top Philadelphia Flyers prospect and SKA St. Petersburg goalie Egor Zavragin continues to build on an impressive debut season in the KHL, accomplishing a rare feat that has only been done twice.
Coming up big for SKA in the Gagarin Cup playoffs, Zavragin, 19, helped seal a Game 3 win against Dynamo Moscow with an assist on Pavel Akolzin’s empty-net goal, but it wasn’t just any ordinary assist.
With his assist on the empty-netter, the Flyers prospect became just the third goalie in SKA history to record an assist in the KHL regular season and Gagarin Cup playoffs in the same season, joining former Edmonton Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen and Nikita Serebryakov, who he replaced earlier this season, as the only goalies to achieve this, according to SKA PR.
Serebryakov (2023-24) and Koskinen (2016-17) were both 28 years old and well-established starting KHL goalies when they earned their assists, making Zavragin comfortably the youngest to achieve this feat.
The Flyers’ top goalie prospect is currently serving as SKA’s starting goalie in the Gagarin Cup playoffs, though he was pulled at the end of the first period after allowing three goals on 14 shots in a 5-4 loss to Dynamo on Wednesday.
Before Game 4, though, Zavragin had stopped 104 of the first 112 shots he faced in his debut Gagarin Cup campaign, which comes out to a .929 save percentage.
It’s hard to place blame on the 19-year-old, as he had faced 37, 37, and 38 shots on goal in his first three games against Dynamo, respectively.
In the aforementioned 5-4 Game 4 loss, Zavragin’s backup, Artemi Pleshkov, faced 42 shots in relief in just two periods, stopping 41.
Essentially, it matters not which goalie is commanding the crease when that is the caliber of defense they’re getting.
Additionally, SKA managed just one goal in each of their first two games, leaving Zavragin high and dry there.
In any case, the Flyers hold Zavragin in really high regard, and for good reason.
The 2023 third-round pick finished his debut KHL campaign with a 20-14-3 record, a 2.50 GAA, a .917 save percentage, and four shutouts in 43 games between SKA and HC Sochi.
In four postseason appearances, Zavragin is 1-2-0 with a 3.22 GAA and a .913 save percentage.
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The Magic of Owen Tippett: Unpacking His Impact On Flyers Beyond The Scoresheet
Owen Tippett is a player who makes you sit up in your seat.
He’s the kind of skater who, when given even a sliver of open ice, can change a game in an instant.
He’s fast, powerful, and deceptively creative, a rare combination of size and skill that makes him one of the Philadelphia Flyers’ most dangerous weapons.
And while the numbers don’t always tell the full story, interim head coach Brad Shaw has made it clear: Tippett’s impact on the ice goes well beyond what shows up on a stat sheet.
“When he gets a pocket of open ice, there’s few players like him in the league,” Shaw said. “I’d like for that to show up a little bit more.”
It’s a sentiment that feels both like praise and a challenge. Tippett’s ability is undeniable—he’s shown flashes of brilliance that few players possess. But Shaw, like many who have watched him over the years, knows there’s still another level he can reach.
The Art of the Impossible
Take Jakob Pelletier’s goal against the Buffalo Sabres. The play Tippett made to set it up was, in Shaw’s words, “ridiculous.”
“The play he makes on [Pelletier’s] goal is, you know, a play that you couldn’t describe to somebody unless you really knew how hard that is to do at this level. That’s ridiculous.”
Tippett has this uncanny ability to make the impossible look routine. It’s something Flyers fans have seen before—those moments where he seems to slow the game down, taking an extra second or two when everyone else is panicking. Shaw pointed to a goal Tippett scored against Dallas, where he used his backhand to beat a goaltender in a way that will leave anyone who watches it with their jaws on the floor.
“In my three years here, he’s probably made a dozen or so of those plays,” Shaw said. “Whether it’s the goal against Dallas on his back end, or where he takes three or four seconds and just turns the game magical. He has that ability.”
That’s the thing about Tippett—he’s not just a player who has speed and a great shot. He has creativity. He has vision. He has that intangible ability to see the game differently, to hold onto the puck just a moment longer than expected, to find seams where none seem to exist.
The Battle for Consistency
So why doesn’t it show up more often? Why isn’t Tippett making highlight-reel plays every single night?
“I think the consistency is hard for a guy who has that skill package,” Shaw admitted.
It’s the eternal battle for players with Tippett’s unique blend of size, speed, and finesse. The very thing that makes him special—the ability to slow the game down and create—also makes it difficult to replicate night after night. The NHL doesn’t always allow for that kind of artistry. Sometimes, you don’t have time to slow down. Sometimes, the best play is the simple play.
Shaw acknowledged that balance, noting that Tippett doesn’t always need to be flashy to be effective.
“You can’t always show that, but I think he’s becoming a more consistent performer…I don’t think it needs to show up all the time because it’s good enough in other elements to play a simpler game at times, or maybe a more north-south game.”
That’s the evolution of Tippett’s game—figuring out when to simplify and when to dazzle. The best players in the world don’t turn every shift into a highlight reel, but they also know when to take over. For Tippett, it’s about finding that balance.
A Player Still Coming Into His Own
Tippett has come a long way since arriving in Philadelphia. He’s no longer just the speedy prospect trying to prove he belongs. He’s a foundational piece of the Flyers’ offense, a player capable of taking over games when he’s on. But, as
Shaw alluded to, he’s still figuring out exactly what his best hockey looks like.
“I think how he combines the two eventually when he starts playing his absolute best hockey,” Shaw said. “I think you’ll see a little bit more of that simplicity come through, along with the exceptional skill and talent that he has.”
It’s a fascinating thought—what will Owen Tippett look like when he fully puts it all together? When he finds the perfect mix of creativity and structure, of raw skill and efficiency? If he’s already capable of producing moments of pure magic, what happens when those moments start appearing more frequently?
The Flyers Need Tippett at His Best
With the Flyers looking to finish out the season strong, players like Tippett—players who can turn a single shift into a game-changing moment—are invaluable down the stretch. The challenge, as Shaw laid out, is to find that next level, to bring that magic a little more often while still playing within the team’s structure.
It’s a difficult balance, but Tippett is well on his way to figuring it out. He’s already shown what he’s capable of. Now, it’s about doing it just a little more often. And if he can, he won’t just be a player with flashes of brilliance—he’ll be one of the most dangerous wingers in the league.
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'It's Pretty Special': Karsen Dorwart Speaks After First Flyers Practice
Karsen Dorwart has had a whirlwind few days.
The 22-year-old center signed with the Philadelphia Flyers over the weekend, attended Monday night's game against the Nashville Predators, spent time undergoing medical testing, and finally, on Wednesday morning, hit the ice for his first NHL practice.
"It's pretty special," Dorwart said about the process. "It's kind of been a quick few days, but I'm just super excited. Everyone here has been great and made the transition for me really easy, so I'm just excited."
There's a lot to take in when jumping into the NHL, especially so late in the season, but once he was out there, everything clicked into place.
"That was probably the easiest part, just feeling some normalcy playing," he said. "It was a good day."
Dorwart, a two-way center out of Michigan State, had options when it came to choosing where to start his professional career. But it was the Flyers' commitment to him—and the opportunity they presented—that made Philadelphia the right choice.
"I did have some other options, but I think just the interest from the brass, from [Keith Jones and Danny Briere]—they were unbelievable with me all year. They showed a lot of interest, and I think one thing they had mentioned was opportunity up the middle. So for me, as a center, that was exciting," he explained.
That opportunity won't be handed to him, though, and he knows it.
"You've gotta work for everything you're gonna get, but it reminded me a lot when I first got to MSU, so it was exciting for me."
A Debut on the Horizon
Now that he's officially part of the team, the next big milestone is his NHL debut. The Flyers hit the road this weekend, with games in Montreal on Saturday and at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers next Wednesday. Could Dorwart be in the lineup for one of those?
"Yeah, that's what everyone keeps saying!" he said with a grin. "I've never been to Montreal before, and MSG would be speical too. I mean, anywhere you do it is gonna be a dream come true. It's all I've wanted to do since I was a little kid. I'm just very fortunate and blessed to be in the position I am."
His parents Gregg and Janelle, and sister Kalli will be flying to Montreal to watch him play.
Regardless of when it happens, one thing is certain: it will be a historic moment. Dorwart is set to become just the ninth player from Oregon to play in the NHL.
"Obviously not a lot of guys have done it," he said. "Hockey's not very popular out there. Hopefully it grows with the team in Seattle now, but it's just cool. I was blessed to have so many influential people that helped me during my time there and growing up, so they deserve all the credit in the world to help me get to the next point."
From Oregon to Philadelphia
Dorwart's journey to the NHL has taken him across the country, from the Pacific Northwest to California, Connecticut, South Dakota, Michigan, and now Philadelphia.
"I lived in Oregon until I was 14, and then I billeted in San Jose when I played for the Junior Sharks for two years. I lived with [then-Jr. Sharks head coach] Curtis Brown and his family, and that was just an unbelievable experience. They were awesome for me," he recalled.
"After that, two years in Connecticut at boarding school; that was great. Then juniors [with the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede] before heading up to MSU. It's kind of been all over, but so many great people helped me in all those spots and I'm very thankful for them."
Through all those moves, he admitted that he didn't have one specific team he cheered for (although he did say that both of his parents were Minnesota Wild fans), but noted Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon as a player he always looked up to.
"I liked him a lot," Dorwart said. "I watched him when he was in juniors [with the Halifax Mooseheads] when they played Portland in the Memorial Cup."
Settling In
Dorwart is still getting to know his new teammates, but he knows there are a few guys who can offer some advice on transitioning from college hockey to the NHL. Bobby Brink, who played for the University of Denver, and Cam York, who played for the University of Michigan, have both made that jump successfully, and Dorwart plans to lean on them when he gets the chance.
"Not a ton, to be honest," he admitted when asked if he'd talked with them yet. "I kind of left the guys alone the other game day, let them do their thing, and then yesterday was the off day and I was in here getting my medical stuff. I'm sure I'll definitely pick their brain for a bit just to get any advice I can."
One topic that hasn't come up yet? His UMich-Michigan State rivalry with York.
"Yeah, we haven't talked about that yet, but I'm sure it'll come up," he said with a laugh.
One unexpected topic that did come up, though, was his chess-playing ability. Dorwart's Michigan State bio has him self-described as "sneaky good" at chess, and that tidbit has followed him to Philadelphia, much to his amusement.
"If I knew that was gonna come up as much as it has, I probably wouldn't have put it!" he said, clearly a little flustered but taking it in stride. "I used to be good, but I'm not good anymore."
What's Next?
With his first practice behind him, Dorwart's focus now shifts to what's ahead. His first NHL game is looming, and whether it happens in Montreal or New York, it's clear that he's ready for the challenge.
He describes himself as a "two-way center," someone who prides himself on responsibility at both ends of the ice. When Flyers interim head coach Brad Shaw was asked about his early evaluations on Dorwart, he had nothing but positive things to say.
"The first time I met him, I asked him, 'What's your best asset?'" Shaw said. "He said his head, his brain; he really thinks the game well. That's a great answer for me. I like guys that are aware on the ice, but I was impressed with how he got around today. It's not easy on your first day, a lot of nerves out there, but he seems like a really centered and focused and humble young man.
"It's always different from practice to game, and there'll probably be some nerves again there for them, but he seems like a really good young man, a real high-character type of guy...He'll probably play a little bit of everything...We'll talk and sort it out and put him in the best situation possible to show us what he can do."
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Nikita Grebenkin Continuing Torrid Start to Life in Flyers Organization
The Philadelphia Flyers knew Nikita Grebenkin was a stud prospect when they acquired him from the Toronto Maple Leafs, but were they expecting this?
Grebenkin, 21, failed to score a point in his seven NHL appearances with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.
In 39 AHL games with the Toronto Marlies, Grebenkin was averaging a goal every four games and joined the Flyers organization with nine goals, 12 assists, and 21 points under his belt.
But, since arriving from Toronto in the trade that saw the Flyers send Scott Laughton the other way, all Grebenkin has done is produce.
The 6-foot-2 Russian winger has already shown his chops in front of the net, from both in tight and long range.
Already with three goals and two assists since joining up with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Grebenkin's latest exploits saw him dance a defender in the neutral zone before finding the middle of the ice, loading up, and ripping a shot past the glove of Laval goaltender Connor Hughes.
Known best for his enthralling blend of size and skill, Grebenkin still needs to work on skating through and navigating traffic and, sometimes, playing through contact, even for a bigger player.
Skill can only be taught to a certain point, especially at the NHL level, whereas strength and a more aggressive mentality can come with experience and further time spent in the gym.
Because the Flyers already used their fourth and final post-trade deadline call-up on rookie goalie Aleksei Kolosov, Grebenkin will only see NHL ice again this season if the squad suffers a rash of injuries.
Winger Garnet Hathaway just returned from a long layoff, so with the Flyers only getting the healthier, the chances of Grebenkin making his debut with the Orange and Black this season are virtually nil.
Flyers fans can, however, excitedly look towards the near future.
Grebenkin, Kolosov, Jett Luchanko, and others are all set to help lead the Phantoms in their Calder Cup playoff campaign.
Ty Murchison just joined the Phantoms on an amateur tryout offer, Alex Ciernik has yet to make his debut, and there's a chance Alex Bump can join the fold, too.
Grebenkin is already playing like a beast for the Flyers organization, and the excitement amongst fans is understandably reaching a fever pitch.
Extra seasoning in the AHL never hurt anybody, plus, this is the perfect opportunity for Grebenkin to build chemistry and familiarity with someone like Luchanko, for example.
Watch this space.
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Aleksei Kolosov's Flyers Return Creates More Questions Than Answers
The Philadelphia Flyers recalled Aleksei Kolosov from the AHL exactly one week ago, and he has yet to do so much as to dress as a backup goalie for even one game so far.
Kolosov, 23, has not appeared in an NHL game since Jan. 2, when he allowed four goals on 26 shots in a 5-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Belarusian was subsequently reassigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, though he returned to the Flyers on Jan. 31, sat for a month, then returned to Lehigh Valley again on March 6.
Kolosov has played eight games for the Phantoms since Jan. 2, stopping 192 of 216 shots for a .889 save percentage and posting a 4-4-0 record.
Kolosov's numbers were actually tattered by a rocky start that saw him allow 10 goals in his first two AHL starts since October, and he's been much improved since returning to the AHL in early March.
The 23-year-old has won four of his last six starts for the Phantoms, stopping 136 of 150 shots for a .907 save percentage, which is a drastic improvement over his career .884 save percentage in the AHL.
So, when current Flyers backup goalie Ivan Fedotov allowed nine goals on 32 combined shots in games against Dallas and Chicago last weekend, Kolosov's return to the Flyers at least made some sense.
In a lost season where your backup is not playing well (again), give the kid a shot and see what he does in the last handful of games, right?
And yet, at least so far, all Kolosov has done is watch from the press box.
Perhaps the firing of head coach John Tortorella has played a role in this, though it's impossible to be certain.
Tortorella started the 2024-25 season insisting that Sam Ersson was the undisputed starter and Fedotov was the backup.
Then, Kolosov commandeered the backup role by November, just to hand it back over to Fedotov after a series of poor showings at the end of December.
Leading up to his dismissal, Tortorella then referred to Ersson and Fedotov as a "tandem" with both goalies struggling with consistency equally.
Then, the 28-year-old Fedotov had those two dreary outings, and up came Kolosov again.
The Flyers' evaluation of the goaltending situation changes almost monthly, which is understandably unsettling for many fans.
What we can say about Kolosov - and this is true for any developing player - is that there is little benefit to spending swaths of games in the press box instead of being on the ice gaining experience firsthand.
Another thing to note is that, because Kolosov is signed to a two-way contract, his salary while playing in the AHL is just $80k.
This pales in comparison to his $832.5k base salary, and we must also consider that Kolosov has to take care of his girlfriend as well as himself while shuttling back and forth between Philadelphia and Allentown as frequently as he has.
While Kolosov did play in the KHL for parts of four seasons, the league's salary cap is only $10 million in U.S dollars, and the Belarusian ruble is equivalent to only 0.31 USD at the time of this writing.
By spending time in the NHL with the Flyers, Kolosov makes substantially more money, which is undoubtedly a huge help for a player who is still acclimating to life in North America and speaks and understands a very limited amount of English.
It's unclear whether the Flyers are doing this as a favor to their young prospect or if they really do want him on the NHL roster for hockey reasons, but if it's the former, it makes plenty of sense.
Players are human and have lives away from the rink, too.
On that note, though, it would be strange to see Kolosov spend the rest of the NHL season with the Flyers without appearing in any games, then return to Lehigh Valley ice cold ahead of the Calder Cup playoffs.
Ideally, Ersson, Fedotov, and Kolosov each play two of the team's final six games before the latter returns for the Phantoms' postseason campaign.
That decision, of course, is ultimately up to interim head coach Brad Shaw and the Flyers brass. Expect more clarity on the situation soon.
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Follow all Flyers news at https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/GraemeMay 13, 2024
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