Heading into training camp, the Flyers had five goalies. There was Sam Ersson, the presumed starter. There's the newcomer, Dan Vladar, who could take the reins of the team as starter or be a very valuable backup.
There was the Russian duo of Aleksei Kolosov and Ivan Feodotov; both of whom arrived with high hopes but produced subpar numbers. Finally, there is Carson Bjarnsson, the young phenom who will get his chance at the AHL level this year.
When Vladar arrived, it was clear that the Flyers wouldn't keep four goalies in Philly. Ersson's job, minus an injury or disastrous play, was assured. This meant that either Kolosov or Fedotov would be the odd man out. While both were expected to play in Lehigh Valley, you knew the team wanted Bjarnsson to get his reps in as well. Someone would have to go.
By trading Fedotov and not having to retain, it will save the Flyers a bit over $3.25 million in salary this year, so they will have a bit extra in case they need to call up some or sign a free agent if needed (Brian Dumolin, Jack Roslovic, Jan Rutta).
With the sixth rounder taken coming back, Daniel Briere will have six picks to play with next year: one in each of the first three rounds, two sixth rounders, and a seventh.
Also, with Fedotov gone, it clears the logjam in net. Vladar and Ersson will be the two counted on in net for the Flyers, as expected. Kolosov will return to the Phantoms and be called up in case of an injury or some other sort of disaster. Bjarnason will share starting duties with Koslov with the Phantoms.
The End of a Journey for Fedotov
Normally when a backup goalie whose struggled is traded away, you don't think much of it. After all, did anyone feel anything when Felix Sandstrom was cut loose a year ago?
What makes this different is what it took for Fedotov to get to Philadelphia. He was drafted in the seventh round in 2017. He played in the KHL, widely viewed as the second-best hockey league in the world and became a star. He was first noticed when he played for Chelyabinsk Traktor. However it was when he led CSKA Moskva to the Gagarin Cup championship in 2021-22 that his star grew. This is their version of the Stanley Cup.
It's at this point that his story takes a twist. He was going to come to the US after signing his entry-level deal, but this was also near the time that Russia's war with Ukraine began. CSKA Moskva, Russia's version of the Montreal Canadiens (in terms of history and wins) is also, technically, owned by the Russian military. It's the Russian Red Army team that the Flyers faced back in the 70s....you know the story.
When Fedotov tried to come over to America, he was "detained" as a "deserter", forced into military service for a year, and sat out of hockey. The Flyers contacted the IIHF saying their contract with Fedotov was valid and he was the property of the Flyers. Russia fought it, faced IIHF sanctions, and then let him come over here.
Because of his struggles, fans were excited to see him. His stats in Russia were oustanding. There was hope he could be a great backup to Ersson, or even perhaps unseat him.
It didn't work out that way. He struggled in Philadelphia and couldn’t quite gain his composure. To be fair, it's not as if the Flyers had a great defense/offense in front of him. The Flyers did nominate him as their Masteron Trophy candidate because of his dedication to the sport under some very odd circumstances. His struggles to escape Russia endeared him to Flyers fans everywhere and made him a cult hero, if you will, before he even hit the ice.
In Columbus, Fedotov will be the backup to Elvis Merzlikins. Perhaps the change of scenery will do him well. Hopefully having fellow Russian, and former Flyer, Ivan Provorov will make him more comfortable. It's a shame he never put it together as his story is a heroic one and could easily be made into an inspirational movie.
Maybe a change of scenery is what he needs to become the goalie he was thought to be.