Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Flyers Place Samuel Ersson on Injured Reserve, Recall Aleksei Kolosov
10/31/2025, 2:31:43 PM
Injury Update on Samuel Ersson
The Philadelphia Flyers have placed goaltender Samuel Ersson on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained during practice. General Manager Daniel Briere confirmed that Ersson will be sidelined for at least one week. Head coach Rick Tocchet indicated that Ersson "tweaked something" during warm-ups on Wednesday, which prevented him from participating in practice. This injury follows a history of lower-body issues for Ersson, who missed multiple games last season due to similar problems.
Aleksei Kolosov's Recall
In response to Ersson's injury, the Flyers have recalled goaltender Aleksei Kolosov from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Kolosov, 23, has shown improved performance this season, recording a 3-2-0 record with a 2.60 goals-against average (GAA) and a .918 save percentage in five games with the Phantoms. His recall comes at a critical time as the Flyers are set to play three games in four nights, starting with a matchup against the Nashville Predators.
Goaltending Situation
With Ersson out, Dan Vladar is expected to take on the primary goaltending duties. Vladar has performed well this season, boasting a 3-2-0 record, a 1.81 GAA, and a .932 save percentage. The Flyers' schedule includes back-to-back games against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames over the weekend, which may provide Kolosov with an opportunity to start in one of those contests.
Historical Context
Ersson's injury marks another chapter in his ongoing struggle with health issues, as he missed at least 16 games last season due to various injuries. His current statistics for the season stand at 2-1-1, with a 3.08 GAA and an .876 save percentage. Kolosov, who previously played 17 games for the Flyers last season, is looking to build on his recent success in the AHL and prove himself at the NHL level.
Official Statements & Responses
General Manager Daniel Briere stated, "Ersson will be out a minimum of a week and possibly more," emphasizing the need for a reliable goaltending option in his absence. Coach Rick Tocchet noted, "I don’t think it’s anything serious," regarding Ersson's injury, while also acknowledging the importance of having depth in the goaltending position.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have raised concerns about the Flyers' goaltending depth, particularly given Ersson's injury history. Critics argue that relying on Kolosov, who struggled in his previous NHL stint, may not be the best strategy for a team aiming for consistency.
What's Next
The Flyers will host the Nashville Predators tonight, followed by games against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames this weekend. The team will closely monitor Ersson's recovery while assessing Kolosov's performance in the NHL.
