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 the honor to play for his home country of Russia in the Olympics.
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.
Even though, Fedotov will become a free agent at year’s end, after having his contract tolled due to him playing overseas in Russia. It appears that Briere and Fedotov are working towards a contract extension, and that would make sense as both parties wouldn’t have gone to these great lengths over the course of the past month or so to get him over here.
Ivan Fedotov is hoping he’s here for the long haul, “I’m here for what I hope will be a long time together.” While Briere says, “That’s something we are working on,” in terms of a contract. He wants to re-sign in Philly it appears.
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It appears Fedotov is happy and happy to be a Flyer, “It has been a long time,” the Eiffel Tower said. “Now I’m here.”
The Flyers goaltending situation has been significantly improved for the foreseeable future in a short period of time. With Alexei Kolosov part of the fold, the club has gone from a professional depth chart of Samuel Ersson, Felix Sandström and Cal Petersen to a goaltending position that will now consist of:
- Samuel Errson
- Ivan Fedotov
- Alexei Kolosov
Man oh man, that looks good, depth wise, especially with how Ivan Fedotov performed on Monday night in his NHL Debut.
