Photo Credit: The Flyers
A towering prospect in Ivan 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 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 the honor to play for his home country of Russia in the Olympics.
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 6’8 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.
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“This is a new chapter for him,” Danny Briere stated as he arrived in Philly this morning.
He is just 27-years-old, and Fedotov had a .914 SV% and 2.37 GAA in 44 games with CSKA this past season. Fedotov will be making his NHL Debut wearing the #82, and will become the Flyers and NHL’s tallest goalie in history standing at 6’8, “I’m here for what I hope will be a long time together,” Fedotov said.
I’m here for what I hope will be a long time together.” – Ivan Fedotov hopes and plans to re-sign in Philly
Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere said that Ivan Fedotov is on the Flyers roster. Felix Sandström no longer is, and has been sent back to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In addition, Briere stated that Fedotov WILL be eligible to play in the playoffs.
Fedotov knows it was a long road, but he will become an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of the season. He wants to re-sign in Philly, and hopes to be here a long time, “Excited to be here. It has been a difficult two years,” Fedotov said. “I’ve been here a long time ago, around eight years it’s been a long time. So, now I’m here and for sure I’m so excited and happy be here. Great feelings, because really difficult two years was for me. I want to help team in playoffs, and be one of the best team in playoffs.”
