Sam Ersson's window to solidify his position as a reliable goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers is rapidly closing. After a promising start to his NHL career, the 24-year-old Swede has struggled to maintain consistency between the pipes, leading to increased scrutiny and the Flyers' consideration of alternative options.
Ersson's recent performance has been concerning. He currently holds a save percentage of .853, which is the lowest in the NHL among goalies with a significant number of games played. His goals-against average sits at a troubling 3.33. These statistics reflect a stark decline from his earlier performances and have directly contributed to the Flyers losing valuable points in their playoff push.
Head coach Rick Tocchet acknowledged Ersson's struggles after a particularly difficult game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 10, stating, "Yeah, he's struggling, you can tell". While offering words of encouragement, Tocchet's comments underscore the urgency for Ersson to rebound quickly.
Several factors contribute to the assessment of Ersson's performance. He initially showed promise, even earning a spot on Sweden's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, he has not consistently lived up to his potential. While his win-loss record was initially a point in his favor, his save percentage and goals saved above expected have been subpar. There's also the argument that the Flyers' defense, while limiting shots, allows dangerous scoring chances, impacting Ersson's statistics. When he faces 20 or more shots a game, Ersson has a .897 save percentage, but it drops to .779 when he faces fewer shots.
The Flyers have been evaluating their internal goaltending options for the past two seasons. With the trade of Ivan Fedotov, the focus has been on Ersson and Aleksei Kolosov. Kolosov, playing for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL, was named AHL Player of the Week in early January, showcasing his potential. He boasts a .908 save percentage in the AHL. While the Flyers are hesitant to disrupt Kolosov's development, his progress presents a viable alternative should Ersson fail to improve.
The Flyers may also explore trade options to bolster their goaltending. Alex Lyon of the Buffalo Sabres and Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins have been mentioned as potential targets.
The Flyers' current standing in the Metropolitan Division, combined with their recent losing streak, amplifies the pressure on Ersson. The team needs reliable goaltending to maintain its playoff position. Ersson is an RFA at the end of the season, and his future with the team is uncertain if he doesn't turn his performance around.
While the Flyers' prospect pool includes names like Carson Bjarnason and Yegor Zavragin, their development timelines may not align with the team's immediate needs. Ersson's upcoming performances will be crucial in determining whether he remains a part of the Flyers' long-term plans or if the team will seek alternative solutions in net.
