Photo Credit: Len Redkoles
By now you all may have heard about the Flyers young Russian Goaltending prospect Kirill Ustimenko, who has currently been playing lights out for the Flyers ECHL affiliate the Reading Royals, however, he is not the only standout Russian Goaltending prospect the Flyers have. The other is Ivan Fedotov, who stands at 6’8″ and weighs 205 pounds.
This towering prospect was found by non-other than the proficient draft expert former Flyers General Manger Ron Hextall, in the 7th round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Since being drafted by the Flyers; the now 23-year-old Fedotov has made his way up the ranks in Russia. Starting out in the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League), he then moved to the VHL (Valley Hockey League), which would be comparable to the AHL (American Hockey League) here; now playing in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) Russia’s top league. This being quite possibly the best league in the world outside of the NHL (National Hockey League). This season Fedotov has spent time in the VHL where he played just 3 games for the Chelmet Chelyabinsk posting a 2.69 GAA (Goals Against Average), and a .900 SV% (Save Percentage), before being called up to the KHL. Currently playing for the Traktor Chelyabinsk, Fedotov has posted a 2.14 GAA, with a .930 SV%. Making quite the name for himself in his native country, it leaves this goaltender-turned writer, wondering just when this imposing prospect will get his chance between the pipes state side?
Fedotov, much like Ustimenko has been to multiple Flyers Rookie Camps now, where Ivan has shown immense improvement every year since being drafted. His massive size alone helps him to take up most of the net regardless if he is standing up, or down in the butterfly stance trying to stop a puck; Ivan always seems to be in position, as he resembles an NHL goalie in Ben Bishop. The Flyers currently have multiple Goalies under contract, therefore it may be tough to swipe Ivan from Traktor of the KHL, and bring him over for some closer evaluation and tutelage from Flyers Goalie coach Kim Dillabaugh.
General Manager Chuck Fletcher is now being faced with a problem no Flyers GM has ever been faced with before, DEPTH IN NET! Thanks to Hextall and Fletcher the Flyers now have immense talent in the goaltending position, and are running out of places for them to play. With names like Carter Hart, Kirill Ustimenko, Samuel Ersson, Felix Sandstrom, Matej Tomek, and Roddy Ross to go along with Ivan Fedotov. Gone are the days Flyers fans have goalie prospects like Cal Heeter to look forward to. Wherever, Fedotov plays in the years to come, I’m sure he will continue to improve and force Fletcher to make room for him in the states, sooner rather than later.
That”s great that we have so many good goaltenders in our prospect pool! But i would like to know how many contracts we have at the moment, with limit been at 50 for every organisation? So i would know how easy is to sign Tanner and Allison at the end of this season to ELC”s, and not be against the limit of 50 just yet!?
Do the Flyers have 48 contracts at this time. As it stands Pitlick and Braun are UFA’s at year’s end.
Thanks Jamey Baskow!