FLYERS GET IVAN FEDOTOV; IIHF Rejects Russia Claim

The International Ice Hockey Federation ruled the Philadelphia Flyers’ contract with goalie Ivan Fedotov is valid.

Fedotov was given two weeks to go back with the Flyers, or obtain a release. The IIHF ruled Monday that Fedotov was in breach of his contract when he signed a two-year deal with CSKA.

The IIHF said: In accordance with Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, Ivan Fedotov was given two weeks to either go back to his former club (i.e Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club); or obtain a release from his former club. As neither action occurred within the given period, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on Ivan Fedotov:

— A four (4) month suspension on playing in official national and international games during playing periods. The suspension shall take effect on 1 September 2023 (first CSKA regular season game) and conclude on 31 December 2023.”

It is not known if Fedotov will return to the Flyers but as hard as they fought for the goalie’s rights, it is possible Fedotov will be in Voorhees for training camp next month. With the suspension, he can’t play until Jan. 1, 2024.

If so, he will join Carter Hart, Cal Petersen, Sam Ersson and Felix Sandström in camp.

Long Road

Fedotov’s story has played out for months.

The Flyers and the NHL believed they had a valid contract with Fedotov. But so did the Russian Ice Hockey Federation.

Fedotov signed a two-year contract with CSKA Moscow on July 8. The Kontinental Hockey League registered Fedotov’s contract, effectively closing the door on the goalie playing in Philadelphia next season. Fedotov had signed a deal with the Flyers in May 2022.

The Flyers and NHL submitted an appeal to the IIHF in late July, arguing the contract should be tolled, as Philadelphia requested in June.

Fedotov’s agent, J.P. Barry of CAA Sports, released a statement after the appeal: “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.”

Fedotov didn’t play last season because he served his year of required military service in Russia, after reportedly trying to evade service. Fedotov was detained and couldn’t play last season.

He is considered the best goaltender not playing in the NHL. If his Flyers’ contract is valid, he would challenge for a roster spot coming out of training camp.

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.