What are realistic expectations for Ivan Fedotov?

One of the biggest areas of concern for the Flyers will be their goaltending. It's been an area that has had many issues over the years. Having stable netminding can help Philadelphia go a long way.

Sam Ersson will enter the season as the Flyers' number-one goaltender. After taking over the starting role in mid-January, Ersson will have a full season ahead of him as the top guy. If the Flyers can avoid burning him out, he has shown he can carry them.

Ivan Fedotov is essentially the new kid on the block. He appeared in three games toward the end of last season, thrown into the chaos at an inopportune time. Now under much more ideal circumstances, the Flyers will get to see what Fedotov can bring to the NHL level.

Using his stats from the three games is unfair for a multitude of reasons. He was adapting to a new league on the fly. He was breaking in completely new equipment. The team was collapsing around him. It wasn't a good situation for anyone coming into the league to be in.

So with a fresh season coming up, what are the realistic expectations for Fedotov and the Flyers?

What can the Flyers reasonably expect from Ivan Fedotov?

Stating the obvious, Fedotov takes up a large majority of the net when he is in it. Standing at 6'7", Fedotov is one of the largest goaltenders to have played in the NHL. That alone is a plus as it doesn't leave a ton of room around him. But it doesn't make anyone a good goaltender, though it's not bad to have the size factor.

Playing in the KHL, Fedotov is used to playing against some of the best. It gives him a slight advantage that other rookies or new-to-the-league players don't have. The KHL is arguably one of the best hockey leagues in the world. And his KHL numbers are nothing to look down on. Even after missing an entire season, Fedotov posted a 2.37 GAA and a .914 SV% in 44 games.

But again, that doesn't mean anything he did in the KHL with translate over to the NHL. Having an entire offseason to work and get used to being in North America can go a long way. And the fact that Ersson isn't a bonafide starter in the league gives Fedotov an opportunity as well. It will allow for a healthy competition where both goaltenders have a chance to play. Even with Ersson being the favorite, there is still plenty of room for Fedotov.

The Flyers should expect to play Fedotov quite a bit throughout the season. Even if Ersson plays near the 51 games he had last season, there is a way it can be done without burning him out or needing to play him every game like they did last season. That should start in the preseason. The Flyers know what they have in Ersson. He'll still need some work, but they should use every opportunity they have to get Fedotov used to things.

Bringing in Eetu Makiniemi on a PTO does add a little more competition to the group. He will get some time to show if he has anything to offer the team as well. But Fedotov's adaption to the league should be one of their top goals. If they can have him comfortable as the regular season rolls around, there is a good chance they will feel more comfortable giving Ersson much-needed rest throughout the year.

With only three games under his belt, it's hard to predict what he could look like in a full NHL season. But it is fair to expect Fedotov to be able to handle himself and give the team a chance to win every time he is in the net. That is the main thing any goalie should be able to give their team.

If the Flyers can get strong results from Fedotov during the season, that will cross one potential headache off their list.