The Flyers’ Goaltending situation becomes significantly clearer following the trade of Ivan Fedotov to the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 14, 2025, in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick.
Prior to the deal, the Flyers faced a crowded crease at both the NHL and AHL levels, exacerbated by the offseason signing of free agent Dan Vladar to a two-year, $6.7 million contract. This created uncertainty about roles, playing time, and roster assignments, particularly with Fedotov’s $3.275 million cap hit and underwhelming performance in his first full NHL season (6-13-4 record, 3.15 GAA, .880 save percentage in 26 games). The trade clears this logjam, frees up cap space, and streamlines the depth chart heading into training camp.Pre-Trade Goaltending Logjam. The Flyers entered the 2025 offseason with multiple options but no defined hierarchy:
- NHL Level: Samuel Ersson (incumbent starter) and Fedotov (backup) were the primary tandem, but Fedotov’s struggles led to a three-goalie rotation at times last season, including Aleksei Kolosov. The group posted the NHL’s worst combined save percentage (.872).
- AHL Level (Lehigh Valley Phantoms): Kolosov is now expected to report, prospect Carson Bjarnason (2023 second-round pick).
- Additional Depth: Departures like Cal Petersen and Parker Gahagen left gaps, but the influx of young talent and Vladar’s signing created overlap. Fedotov, at 28 and in the final year of his contract, was the odd man out—likely headed to the AHL but blocking development for others while tying up cap space (waiving him would have only relieved ~$1.1 million).
This setup risked repeating last season’s issues: over-reliance on multiple goalies, inconsistent rhythm, and limited growth opportunities for prospects.
Post-Trade Clarity
The move resolves these issues by establishing a more straightforward tandem at each level, allowing for better evaluation and development. Here’s the updated projected depth chart:
- Cap and Roster Benefits: The Flyers shed Fedotov’s full $3.275 million cap hit (he’s owed just $775,000 in actual salary this year), providing flexibility for potential in-season moves or injury contingencies. No salary retention was involved, making it a clean exit.
- Performance Context: Fedotov’s NHL adjustment was rocky after his dramatic arrival in 2024 (following a contract dispute and Russian military service). His .874 career save percentage over 29 games underscored the need for change, especially after the Flyers ranked in the bottom 10 for goals allowed last season.
- Future Outlook: While the picture is clearer, questions remain about Ersson’s consistency as a starter and whether Kolosov can earn NHL minutes. The Flyers’ front office, led by General Manager Danny Briere, emphasized alleviating the “numbers game” to focus on evaluation during camp.
Overall, this trade shifts the Flyers from uncertainty to a defined structure, prioritizing rhythm and development over depth for depth’s sake. It’s a pragmatic step for a team aiming to improve after a rebuilding year.
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