On January 31st, the Philadelphia Flyers recalled goaltender Aleksei Kolosov from their AHL affiliate, Lehigh Valley, after starting goalie Samuel Ersson suffered a lower-body injury during a game. This move was made to ensure depth in net for their upcoming match against the Los Angeles Kings, with center Lane Pederson being sent down to the Phantoms to clear a roster spot. The team’s decision not to place Ersson on injured reserve suggested optimism about his return timeline, so Kolosov’s NHL stay was expected to be temporary.
Roster Changes and Performance Updates
Kolosov’s recall on January 31st marked his fourth stint with the Flyers this season, though his game time had been limited, totaling just four appearances with the NHL club. In those appearances, he faced challenges, allowing eight goals on 47 shots. After Daniel Vladar recovered from injury, Kolosov was briefly sent back to Lehigh Valley but remained eligible for recall due to his recent play, including a game against Springfield where he faced 27 shots and recorded a save percentage of .777.
Meanwhile, Lane Pederson—a 28-year-old center called up less than two weeks prior—had appeared in five of the Flyers’ last six games. Despite regular ice time and experience dating back to 2023 with Columbus, Pederson had yet to score and averaged just under nine minutes per game. He continued to produce steadily at the AHL level, with 13 goals and 15 assists in 37 games for the Phantoms.
Recent Movements and Outlook for the Team
On February 1st, the Flyers reassigned Kolosov back to Lehigh Valley, signaling that Ersson was anticipated to return for the February 2nd game against the Washington Capitals. However, just a day later, the team once again recalled Kolosov for backup duties while Ersson remained unavailable.
This series of roster adjustments highlights the Flyers’ careful management of their goalie depth during a period of uncertainty. Kolosov’s role as a dependable secondary option provides insurance for the team as they navigate injuries and aim to maintain competitive consistency. His continued movement between the NHL and AHL rosters reflects the team’s strategy to balance experience and readiness as they approach critical games.
Transaction: We have recalled goaltender Aleksei Kolosov from the @LVPhantoms (AHL). pic.twitter.com/5WXkgTHhQ4
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 2, 2026
Transaction: We have loaned goaltender Aleksei Kolosov to the @LVPhantoms (AHL).
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 1, 2026
Transaction: We have recalled goaltender Aleksei Kolosov from the @LVPhantoms (AHL). Additionally, forward Lane Pederson has been loaned to Lehigh Valley. pic.twitter.com/5BykFTvnQ8
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 31, 2026
