Elite Goalie Prospect Becomes Available For Trade at Low Cost, Oilers Could Be Interested

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
October 24, 2024 (7:02 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Oilers have had some uncertainty at the goaltending position for years now, which may give them some interest in an elite goalie prospect available for trade at a low cost.

The Philadelphia Flyers are in a tough situation that may force a decision with 22 year old prospect Alexei Kolosov. According to reports, Kolosov is intent on getting NHL ice time right away, and hasn't been thrilled with being buried in the AHL behind Ivan Fedotov and Samuel Errsson. The relationship between Kolosov and the Flyers may have soured, and according to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, he could be traded for a second round draft pick.

»The Flyers, while not super fond of this idea, are open to a trade with Kolosov; a second round selection is the desired asking price. Aside from that, the two options are Kolosov returning back to the KHL on loan or sticking with the Flyers.»
- Daily Faceoff

Kolosov was a third round draft pick of the Flyers in 2021, and then went on to become the full time starter for Dynamo Minsk in the KHL. Minsk struggled defensively extremely, but Kolosov was still able to put up a .912 save percentage with a 2.55 GAA in his career best year. He believes he's ready for NHL competition, and in arguably the world's second best hockey league, he's posted incredible results. According to Daily Faceoff, he's ranked as the 20th best goalie prospect currently associated with an NHL team.

The Oilers are set for the season with Stuart Skinner and backup Calvin Pickard, but with a young talented prospect being available to a relatively low cost, perhaps Edmonton would consider trading for him and assigning Pickard to the AHL, at least temporarily. It's a skill risk to pay for a goaltender that could be a long term piece, especially with Stuart Skinner as an RFA in 2 years.

The front office could make a great move if they pick up Kolosov and his play pans okt in the NHL. Otherwise, with elite goaltending so hard to come by in the NHL, they'll be rolling into the playoffs again with Skinner.