Flyers Fight to Bring Goalie Ivan Fedotov to NHL; Appeal to IIHF

The saga of Philadelphia Flyers prospect Ivan Fedotov and his Russian contract has taken another twist.

The Philadelphia Flyers and NHL have submitted an appeal to the IIHF arguing Fedotov’s contract should be tolled, as the team requested in June. TSN Insider Daren Dreger was the first with the story. Fedotov’s agent, J.P. Barry of CAA Sports, also released a statement:

“We spoke to Ivan today, and his position is that he will abide by the ruling of the IIHF regarding which contract [Flyers or CSKA] is currently valid and binding. He simply wants to resume his career as soon as possible.”

In July, the Kontinental Hockey League registered Fedotov’s contract with CSKA Moscow, effectively closing the door on the goalie playing in Philadelphia next season. Fedotov also signed a deal with the Flyers in May 2022.

The International Ice Hockey Federation is now considering the request. The Flyers and NHL say Fedotov’s required military service last year, which forced the goaltender to miss last season, qualified his contract to be tolled.

Fedotov is considered one of the top goaltenders not playing in the NHL.

In 2015, Fedotov was the Flyers’ seventh-round pick (188th overall). The 26-year-old played 26 games for CSKA Moscow in 2021-22. He was 14-10-2 with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.

He was the starting goalie in the 2022 Winter Olympics, as Russia won the silver medal.

If Fedotov’s Flyers’ contract is considered valid, he will contend for Philadelphia’s backup job behind Carter Hart, or more, this coming season.