#8. Fedotov spurns Flyers for Russia, kind of
"“Been here all along, so why can’t you see, you belong with me?” Taylor Swift, “You Belong With Me” (2008)"
In one of the more fascinating summer storylines in the NHL, goalie Ivan Fedotov wound up staying in Russia to play for CSKA Moscow instead of playing for the Flyers. In May 2022, Fedotov signed with the Flyers, and two months later – on July 1 – Fedotov was coincidentally arrested before his departure to North America for “evasion of military service”.
The 26-year-old has since completed his military service obligation with Russia’s navy, and even though his contract from the previous year with Philadelphia was rolled over, he signed a two-year deal with CSKA instead.
Briere is probably dreaming about waking up and finding out that the goalie he’s been looking for is coming to the Flyers, but it’s Russia we’re talking about. Calgary Flames defenseman and fellow Russian Nikita Zadorov recently claimed in a bombshell interview that Fedotov could return ‘at any time’, but the goalie would have to make it through the airport, onto the plane, and off the plane without the Russian government finding out and interfering.
It’s unclear whether or not this has all been Fedotov’s choice, but the Flyers are still pushing to bring him over along with the IIHF. Philly will be standing by waiting at the back door of the at the PHL International Airport, but they might be there a while. Maybe Briere will put some Taylor Swift on to pass the time.