Philadelphia Flyers 2024-25 Player Preview: Ivan Fedotov

This past spring, Flyers fans saw the arrival of a greatly hyped Russian prospect. We aren't talking about Matvei Michkov, although that is big news. Instead, we are talking about the long-awaited arrival of Ivan Fedotov. The 27-year-old goaltender has been through a lot over the last few years. Now Flyers fans must ask themselves, "Was the wait worth it?"

Fedotov was drafted in the seventh round with the 188th pick in the 2015 NHL Draft after he had starred with Nizhnekamsk Reaktor in the Russian Junior League (MHL). Usually, when you are picked 188th, not much is expected of you. Just like 1987's 188th pick by the Flyers, Bruce MacDonald, or 1986's 188th pick, Blaine Rude. Neither of them appeared in the NHL.

Instead, Fedotov's star started to rise. He played three years for Nizhnekamsk Reaktor, putting up some good numbers, before being called up to play for the Neftekamsk Toros of the VHL, the equivalent of the AHL in Russia. Again, he put up good numbers there before being promoted to Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL.

After two seasons, he was traded to CSKA Moscow where his story took a turn. In his first year for CSKA Moscow, he guided the team to the Gagarin Cup, the championship of the KHL. During that season, he had a 14–10–2 record with a 2.00 GAA and .919 save percentage and was a finalist for the goaltender of the year honors. That's when things get a little messy.

Ivan Fedotov can now prove his long wait was worth it

He wanted to come to the US and play for the Flyers. CSKA, which is technically the Russian Army hockey team, declared him to have gone AWOL, "detained him" at a "secure facility", and forced him to go into "basic training". After the completion of his military duties, he stated that he no longer wanted to come to America and "preferred" to stay in Russia. Then the International Ice Hockey Federation got involved and threatened to put sanctions on the KHL, and CSKA Moscow, and banned Fedotov from playing in international competitions.

Then, all of a sudden, he was released. He arrived in Philly near the end of this past season. He appeared in three games, starting one of them. Overall, his stat line is not that impressive thus far: a record of 0-1-1, a GAA of 4.95, and a save percentage of .811. To be fair, he was playing on a team that was floundering and backing up an overworked Sam Ersson. He also had to get used to the NHL rinks, as they are different sized than those in Europe.

So, here we are. The Flyers re-signed him to a two-year deal this spring. He enters training camp as the de facto backup with a chance to steal the top job if Ersson falters. It's been a long time coming. Flyers fans can finally see if he has been worth all the wait and effort to bring him over here.