Photo Credit: Philadelphia Flyers PR
It’s finally happened, Ivan Fedotov has officially joined the Philadelphia Flyers after being drafted by the organization 188th overall in the seventh round of the NHL draft in 2015.
The 27-year-old netminder is a towering 6-foot-7 and weighs 214.5 pounds, per the Flyers PR Joe Siville. Once he gets into game action for the Flyers, Fedotov will become the tallest goaltender to ever play in the NHL.
Most recently, Fedotov played for CSKA Moscow in the KHL during the 2021-22 season but he missed the 2022-23 season altogether.
On July 4th, 2022, he was captured by Russian authorities for attempting to evade mandatory military service. From that point onwards, Fedotov was forced to serve at a base in the Arctic circle near the Russia-Finland border taking him away from the game of hockey for a full year.
Before he was detained by Russian authorities to participate in the obligatory service in the military, the former KHL all-star signed a one-year deal with the Flyers on May 7th, 2022.
Once Fedotov completed his military service last summer, he then signed a two-year contract with CSKA Moscow. A dispute between the IIHF, KHL and NHL over the contractual rights to Fedotov for the 2023-24 season subsequently led to Fedotov remaining in the KHL.
One critical aspect of Fedotov retaining the ability to come to North America after the end of the KHL season hinged on a ruling from the IIHF this past summer. Essentially, the contract signed with the Flyers in May, 2022 had been tolled and was still recognized as valid for the 2023-24 NHL season. Despite Fedotov continuing to play in the KHL for the 2023-24 campaign this left the door open for the possibility of going to the NHL at some point.
CSKA Moscow of the KHL just terminated the goaltender’s contract that had one-year remaining on the deal on March 28th. On their website the organization thanked Fedotov and wished him good luck in the future.
Another factor that may have prompted Fedotov to join the Flyers was a clause in his KHL contract with CSKA that would have allowed him to leave for the NHL if he chose to do so. Although, it has yet to be fully confirmed if said clause was actually included within the contract.
Briere has impressed as a rookie General Manager
Flyers General Manager, Daniel Briere continued to keep things close to the vest and operated in a manner where information was not leaked or given out to the public in regards to Ivan Fedotov making his way to the Flyers. The GM declined to comment during today’s press conference introducing Fedotov and what the exact steps were to get him over to the NHL.
Briere stated, “We’ll just leave the details out.”
The most impressive part of this Fedotov ordeal is how it’s all been handled by Briere. Philadelphia getting Fedotov out of Russia after everything that’s occurred over the last few years only exemplifies how this front office will explore all avenues in an effort to better the team.
Briere has navigated multiple difficult situations in a masterful fashion in his first season as General Manager of the franchise. Obviously this Fedotov situation is one, however he’s also dealt with trading Cutter Gauthier and the legal ramifications surrounding Carter Hart all in a single season.
The Flyers goaltending situation has been significantly improved for the foreseeable future in a short period of time. With Alexei Kolosov set to join the organization in the coming weeks the club has gone from a professional depth chart of Samuel Ersson, Felix Sandstrom and Cal Petersen to a goaltending position that will now consist of:
- Samuel Errson
- Ivan Fedotov
- Alexei Kolosov
- Felix Sandstrom
- Cal Petersen
There’s no guarantee Fedotov or Kolosov can be high-end NHL goaltenders and replicate their play from the KHL. Nonetheless, it must be noted that their additions to the roster gives the Flyers three potential long term options in net with Ersson, Fedotov and Kolosov.
What’s next for Fedotov?
It’s been a tumultuous past several years for Fedotov in his attempt to become an NHL goaltender. From being detained by Russian authorities and forced to serve in the military, to contract disputes over his rights and where he would eventually play this season, the adversity has been endless.
Fedotov mentioned in his introductory press conference earlier today that the road to the NHL has been a tough one:
“Very difficult two years,” he said. “Now I’m here and happy to be here and help the team.”
Naturally, focusing solely on hockey for the first time in years this season was likely a relief for the goaltender. As any player who misses a full year, rust is something that was present in Fedotov’s game as he began the 2023-24 KHL season. As things progressed the netminder regained his prior form and recorded a .914 SV% and 2.37 GAA in 44 games with CSKA this season.
Fedotov has always been a technically sound goalie, in the 2021-22 season with CSKA he managed to put forth a .919 SV % and 2.00 GAA in 26 games. He also started in net for Russia at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and had some stellar performances on the national stage. The goaltender played a large part in Russia’s Olympic finals berth and won a silver medal in that tournament.
Fedotov has proven that he is a talented goalie. The netminder has performed at high levels in a variety of situations in the past. As a result, it will be very interesting to see how his game translates to the NHL level moving forward.
Flyers GM Daniel Briere said in this morning’s press conference that Fedotov is on the active roster and available to play as soon as Saturday. Additionally, the NHL has confirmed that he is eligible to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Due to Fedotov now being Ersson’s backup goaltender, Felix Sandstrom has been returned to the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Something to keep in mind is the adjustment from the KHL to the NHL level for Fedotov. Of course the netminder is talented but there are several factors to consider before the Flyers look to get him into game action.
One advantage is that CSKA Moscow used an NHL sized ice rink, meaning that adjusting to rink size won’t be much of a concern for Fedotov. Sight lines are different in every arena so that’s an aspect he will have to learn and become accustomed to.
Primarily, he will have to take some time to break in his new equipment. That can be tough for a goaltender as the first few days of using a new blocker, glove, pads, chest protector and pants will come with stiffness that can negatively impact a goalie’s play.
Most importantly, the competition in the NHL is at a higher level than the KHL. Fedotov will need to adjust to the quicker and more talented shooters he’ll be encountering on a nightly basis.
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With one year remaining on his contract, Fedotov will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st if Philadelphia does not sign him to an extension. Based on the efforts of the Flyers front office to get Fedotov to join the team this season, a contract extension is likely imminent barring any unforeseen circumstances.
The Flyers newest netminder will wear number 82. Fedotov will get considerable practice time in order to get comfortable with his new surroundings and equipment before he makes his NHL debut.
Look for Fedotov to play in one of the Flyers back to back games next weekend. Either taking on the Buffalo Sabres, April 5th or the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 6th.
