Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
A towering prospect in Ivan Fedotov stands at 6’7 and weighs 214.5 pounds, per the Flyers PR. He was found by former Flyers’ General Manager Ron Hextall in the 7th round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Since being drafted by the Flyers; the now 27-year-old Fedotov made his way up the ranks in Russia. He was playing in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League), which is not only Russia’s top league, but it’s arguably the second toughest league in the World. Fedotov spent time with CSKA Moscow in his final season to date in the KHL where he posted a 14-10-2 record, a 2.00 GAA (Goals Against Average), with a .919 SV% (Save Percentage). Moreover, Fedotov was also credited with two shutouts. Simply put, he kicked butt, and deserved an NHL contract.
He finally made his NHL Debut and it was a success, while backstopping 19 sanes on 21 shots faced. Fedotov really showed promise, and was one of a few players that played their butts off in a losing effort on Monday night, “I don’t care if I’m playing for the first minute or whole game. Just want to help the team,” Fedotov said following his NHL Debut.
“He’s the only god damn player who played in the second period.” – John Tortorella
Fedotov made quite the name for himself in his native country, thus he earned an Entry-Level-Contract (ELC) for his efforts. Flyers fans should temper their expectations with Fedotov, as it is easier said than done to sway him to come to North America, especially with having to partake in the Russian military.
The Flyers became aware of promising 6’7 netminder in Ivan Fedotov being detained in St. Petersburg, according to reports last year. Reports were he tried to evade being drafted into the Russian military to possibly be used in the war against Ukraine a few years ago.
Fedotov has relished the pre-season, while becoming very good friends with Matvei Michkov and Egor Zamula. He is playing really well, and he backstopped 25 shots on 27 shots faced against the Boston Bruins. Fedotov managed to finish the game with a .926 Save Percentage.
“I feel good. Overall, feel good. From last year more comfortable,” Fedotov said after the game. He doesn’t like to take anything for granted, and it appears that having a full off-season to train and prepare himself has done wonders. Maybe going to Colorado to clear his head with Michkov also helped.
A tall backup netminder in Fedotov is moving laterally in the crease well. He moved pretty quick from post to post, given his size. Fedotov It’s cutting off all the angles well, and just looks very composed.
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It appears Fedotov is happy and happy to be a Flyer. He’s having a stellar pre-season, and he’s yet another player that should receive some notoriety for how well he has performed at training camp and in the pre-season.
