The Flyers will have some extra goaltending depth on hand at training camp. The agency for Eetu Makiniemi, WD Sports and Entertainment, announced (Twitter link) that the netminder has accepted a PTO offer and will attend training camp with Philadelphia. Team reporter Bill Meltzer relayed last week that the Flyers were interested in bringing Makiniemi to camp.
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The 25-year-old was originally drafted in the fourth round by Carolina in 2017 but after spending one year in their farm system, he was dealt to San Jose in 2022 as part of the Brent Burns trade. Makiniemi spent the last two years in the Sharks’ system, primarily at the AHL level but he did make two appearances with the big club, putting up a 2.13 GAA and a .906 SV%.
Last season, Makiniemi played in 18 games with AHL San Jose, putting up a 3.14 GAA with a .900 SV%. He also suited up for three contests with ECHL Wichita, posting a 3.39 GAA and a .907 SV% in those outings. At the end of the contract, he became a Group Six unrestricted free agent.
There has been some uncertainty surrounding Flyers prospect Alexei Kolosov who is believed to be seeking a return to the KHL for the upcoming season while the organization does not appear to be willing to loan him back. Veteran Cal Petersen is expected to be the starter with AHL Lehigh Valley (assuming he clears waivers once again in training camp) while the Phantoms have added Keith Petruzzelli and re-signed Parker Gahagen to give themselves some insurance between the pipes. Makiniemi will now try to play his way into that mix on what would likely ultimately be an AHL contract.