Photo Credit: Len Redkoles
Ivan Fedotov was named to Team Russia for the Olympics in Beijing 2 weeks ago, and he became the fourth Flyers player/prospect to be selected for the upcoming Olympics (Matej Tomek, Pat Nagle, Noah Cates are the others). The Flyers are in dark times right now, but this still is an honor for all these players nonetheless.
Fedotov is already paying dividends with being on Team Russia, and it’s Russia wander opener against Switzerland 1-0. It took just one game for Fedotov to impress the faithful with a remarkable 33 save performance to earn the shutout, and secure the victory for Russia.
It is very likely that Fedotov would skip the AHL to play in the NHL next season, if the Flyers are able to sway him to come to North America. Most teams, to include the Flyers, would approve of this and he could easily be a backup for the prized Carter Hart next season. He’s arguably playing well in the second best league in the World (KHL), but temper the expectations on Fedotov, as the orange and black would love to have his services here in North America. However, Fedotov at the moment does not want to leave Russia.
This towering prospect in Fedotov stands at 6’8 and weighs 203 pounds. 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 25-year-old Fedotov has made his way up the ranks in Russia. He is now 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. This season Fedotov has spent time with CSKA Moscow and he has posted a 14-10-2 record, a 2.00 GAA (Goals Against Average), with a .919 SV% (Save Percentage). Moreover, Fedotov also is credited with two shutouts. Simply put, he is kicking butt, and deserves this honor to be play for his home country of Russia in the Olympics.
Currently playing for CSKA Moscow, Fedotov has made quite the name for himself in his native country. Flyers fans should temper their expectations with Fedotov, as it is easier said than done to sway him to come to North America. Fedotov would have to leave his family and friends behind, also he is excelling in the KHL.
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In the end, goals are flashy and obviously garner a lot of attention for obvious reasons. However, Fedotov is off to a stellar start to his career in the KHL, and hopefully this will bear fruit in the future for the orange and black in North America sooner rather than later.
