While Ivan Fedotov has achieved his dream of being an NHL goaltender, there was a time when it seemed like the dream had died. And for everything that Fedotov went through to make it happen, he's being honored
On Wednesday morning, the Philadelphia Flyers announced that Fedotov was the team's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nominee. The award is given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. And there is no one better to show off those qualities than Fedotov.
"Ivan is an ideal choice to represent the Flyers as the Masterton nominee," Flyers general manager Danny Briere said in a press release. "He never gave up on his dream of playing in the NHL after being drafted nearly 10 years earlier in the seventh round. However, it is the level of resiliency he displays on a daily basis throughout the season, whether at practice or when called upon to start, that continues to impress me, the coaches, and his teammates."
Playing in what was considered the second-best league in the world, Fedotov worked his way through the ranks of the KHL and was drafted by the Flyers in 2015. Fast forward to 2022, and Fedotov was coming off a season in which he backstopped his country to a silver medal in the Olympics. He posted a .919 save percentage in the regular season and followed it up with a .937 save percentage in the playoffs.
His play helped lead CSKA Moscow to the Gagarin Cup, the KHL's version of the Stanley Cup. After watching him dominate the KHL for a third straight season, the Flyers believed he was ready for the NHL. So they signed him to an entry-level deal that offseason and were prepared for him to compete as the backup.
That never happened.
Fedotov was arrested by Russian authorities for evasion of military service. In Russia, all able-bodied males between the ages of 18 and 27 are required to complete one year of military service. And to their belief, Fedotov was trying to avoid doing so. Instead of competing for a job in the NHL, Fedotov spent the year fulfilling his war duties. He lost a year of playing and training, his dream of playing for the Flyers disappearing quickly.
He returned the following season with a fresh new deal, except it was a contract to return to his KHL team. The Flyers and the NHL did not like this as it violated the international transfer regulations since he had a valid deal with Philadelphia. The IIHF was later involved and, despite an appeal from CSKA Moscow, imposed heavy sanctions on both Fedotov and CSKA Moscow. They also ruled his NHL deal was indeed valid.
Fedotov was not allowed to compete for four months and was given a three-year suspension in international play. CSKA Moscow didn't care, and Fedotov played anyway, posting a 2.37 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. He posted similar numbers in five playoff games before his season came to an end in March. By now, it appeared that any hope of him playing for the Flyers was nonexistent.
That was until CSKA Moscow shocked everyone by agreeing to terminate his contract after one season. Suddenly, he was on a plane to Philadelphia and in front of the media for the first time. He suited up for three games that season. He impressed enough to earn a two-year extension and began this season as the backup to Sam Ersson.
Ivan Fedotov's perseverance to make it to the NHL makes him an obvious Masterton nominee
Forget about any of the numbers for a second and think about Fedotov as a human being, trying to play the game he loves. In 2022, Fedotov was ready to make the jump to what most consider the best league in the world. And whether we want to think about it or not, his sudden arrest came when tensions were high between the United States and Russia. It's not hard to think it played a role in Fedotov's detainment before he could come to North America.
Fedotov missed an entire season in 2022-23. There wasn't a clear idea of where he was most of the time. Not having the same access to facilities to work on his game, it was unknown what could happen when he returned. And then he was stuck in the middle as the KHL refused to honor his NHL deal, essentially making him a pawn in their game.
It isn't easy to say no when your team is essentially owned by the Russian government. They aren't going to let you get away easily. Fedotov was not given much of a choice in where he ended up. He continued to play, doing the best he could under the circumstances.
Now, nearly 10 years after being drafted, Fedotov is finally where he's meant to be. His overall numbers may not paint a pretty picture, and there is still plenty he needs to learn in the NHL. But being here in the first place is the most important thing.
“It’s been my dream all time to play in the NHL. Every kid, when he’s growing up, probably have a dream to play in the best league in the world. So, of course, it’s a long way, long road for me. Finally, I’m here where I want to be.”