Ivan Fedotov

July 2023 – The Philadelphia Flyers signed one of their top prospects last summer, Fedotov, to a one-year ELC contract to play for them. Instead, he spent the season fulfilling his military obligations for Russia. Philadelphia, therefore tolled the goaltender’s contract, rolling it over to the 2023-24 season. Recently, Fedotov agreed to terms on a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow beginning in 2023-24, not honoring the contract. Signing with CSKA led to uncertainty over where Fedotov was contractually obligated to play. The NHL and KHL have previously operated with a Memorandum of Understanding between the two leagues, meaning one cannot poach a signed player away from the other. The NHL suspended that agreement last year, but it was still mutually upheld. Meanwhile, the KHL announced on July 8, 2023, that they disagree with the NHL’s assertion and have registered the contract for Fedotov with CSKA Moscow. Fedotov, his head coach Sergei Fedorov, and CSKA president Igor Esmantovich will hold a press conference on July 17, 2023. Fedotov is one year away from reaching NHL unrestricted free agency. Mark Henry

July 2023 – Fedotov, who recently completed his military service after being detained last year in Russia, signed a two-year contract with CSKA of the KHL; however, the contract has not been registered and will not be due to the uncertainty of Fedotov’s current status with the Philadelphia Flyers. In June 2023, Fedotov’s one-year entry-level contract signed before the 2022-23 season was tolled forward by the Flyers to the 2023-24 campaign, and they will continue to own his NHL rights. Stay tuned. Mark Henry

July 2022 – Fedotov was reportedly apprehended by Russian law enforcement after allegedly attempting to avoid military service. According to Fedotov’s attorney, Fedotov was sent to a remote Russian military base. Signing his entry-level contract with the Flyers back in May, Fedotov intended to play in North America this upcoming season and contended for Philadelphia’s backup goalie spot. Though news surrounding Fedotov’s status is ever-changing, coming to the Flyers’ organization for the 2022-23 season is highly unlikely at this point. John Gove

May 2022 – Fedotov established himself as one of the more dominant goalies in Russia this season, claiming the title of the KHL’s Best Goaltender and winning the Gagarin Cup and an Olympic Silver Medal. Now, he is set to come to North America for the next chapter of his professional hockey journey. Signing a one-year ELC with the Flyers, Fedotov enters next season with the hope of earning Philadelphia’s backup goaltender job. Of course, the transition from the European to North American game historically comes with a learning curve. However, Fedotov’s age and recent success bring promise to his projection and NHL upside. If seasoning time in the AHL proves necessary, the Flyers will send Fedotov to Lehigh Valley and potentially bring in another veteran goalie to back up Carter Hart. Still, they would much rather Fedotov step into that role right away and should provide him with every opportunity to do so. John Gove

July 2021 – Other than Carter Hart, it has been a long time since a Flyers goalie prospect has gotten fans this intrigued. While the shortened NHL season contributed to the heightened attention paid to hockey played elsewhere, Fedotov has been no shrinking violet for Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL. Despite being 6-8, he somehow manages to make himself even bigger in goal. There has been a few Flyers that have made Hextall look like a savvy General Manager since his dismissal. Fedotov could be one of the better ones yet. He is expected to play for CSKA Moskva for the 2022 season before considering coming to North America. It has been tough for him to be very out of position given his frame, he will need to work on being in the right place at the right time to thrive at the next level. If he continues to shine as he has, it would be a surprise if he were to not make the Flyers roster, even if only as Brian Elliott’s replacement. Edric Joseph