With the exception of Sam Ersson, the rest of the Flyers goaltenders are a bit in flux. Nobody separated themselves as the player who should be a backup and nobody ever seriously challenged Ersson for the starting position. With that in mind, there are some updates to a few of the Flyers goalies.
Ivan Fedotov to the Phantoms
There are a lot of indications that Fedotov will start next season with the Phantoms. He's 28 years old, so there isn't going to be a lot of time that the team will invest in him as he is a bit old to be considered a prospect at this point. Still, he's worth hanging onto as his play in the past, especially in international competitions, was solid.
This year, not so much. Playing in the KHL in Russia or in European tournaments is a lot different than in the NHL. Maybe he wasn't ready for what he faced. His stats this season were underwhelming. He posted a record of 6-13-4 with a 3.15 GAA and a .880 save percentage. There were times he played at his best, but he was inconsistent too often.
By assigning him to the AHL, the Flyers will save slightly over $1 million in salary cap space. For a team that is looking to make some splashes in free agency, every dollar helps.
Aleksei Kolosov could be stuck with Flyers
Before last season, Kolosov threatened to return to the KHL and play for the Dinamo Minsk, his hometown team, if he was not given a roster spot on the Flyers. For most of the season, he attempted to justify his presence. He did not do a very good job. His record was 5-9-1 with a 3.59 GAA and .867 save percentage, which was worse than what Fedotov posted.
Perhaps his pride was hurt and he was hoping to go back to Belarus and star there. That's doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. Turns out that Minsk has moved on from Kolosov. While Kolosov played well there, he’s been replaced by former NHL goalie Zach Fucale. Fucale has just become the highest paid goalie in the KHL. So, that door has been shut for him.
If he goes back to the KHL, it won't be for Minsk. He's probably not happy playing backup to Ersson. The Flyers could possibly look for a new goalie (starter or backup) via trade or free agency this offseason. Since both Fedotov and Kolosov are signed until next year, it is possible that Kolosov is sent down to the AHL as well. If he refuses, his contract could be terminated and it is unlikely another team will give him anything close to what Philly is giving him.
Eetu Mäkiniemi returns to Finland
Once upon a time, Mäkiniemi looked as if he could join the Flyers. He played well overseas. Then he came to America and was injured early on with the Phantoms. After falling on the depth chart, Mäkiniemi is returning home. Because it is unclear if he would make the AHL squad, or become the backup to Ersson, he signed a one-year deal with TPS in the Finnish League.
Carson Bjarnason to the AHL
Bjarnason is one of the top prospects in the Flyers system. As a 19 year old goalie, the team has some options with him. He could make his pro debut with the Reading Royals, their affiliate with the ECHL, if the Flyers want to take his development slow. It is also possible, barring a trade/free agent signing this offseason, Bjarnason could start with the Phantoms.
Bjarnason was assigned to the Phantoms at the end of their season during their playoff run. He never saw time, but he dressed once Parker Gahagen was injured. Because of his solid play these last few years, it would not be a surprise to see him as their starting goaltender next season.