Former CSKA Moscow goaltender Fedotov joins Flyers 9 years later

NHL

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, left, and Ivan Fedotov pose with Fedotov’s Flyers jersey during a news conference on Friday in Voorhees, N.J. CHRIS SZAGOLA — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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By Dan Gelston

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA >> The process needed to extract goalie Ivan Fedotov from both his Russian military and hockey commitments and finally land him in Philadelphia — nine years after he was drafted by the Flyers — remains largely shrouded in Cold War-era type secrecy.

Flyers general manager Danny Briere stuck to silence on Fedotov’s path to Philly as the goalie was introduced Friday.

“We’ll just leave the details out,” Briere said.

What the Flyers are willing to reveal is this: they believe the 27-year-old Fedotov was worth the arduous, complicated wait to get him and that he can make an impact down the stretch.

“That’s what gives us confidence he can come and help us,” Briere said at the Flyers’ New Jersey complex. “He’s been through a lot in his career. He’s been through a lot in his personal life. It’s a big part of the reason why we feel comfortable. We’re excited to have him aboard.”

Fedotov was able to join the Flyers nine years after he was picked in the seventh round of the 2015 draft because he had his contract in Russia’s KHL terminated Thursday by CSKA Moscow.

CSKA announced the abrupt termination with one year remaining on it, saying it keeps his KHL rights and “the club thanks Ivan Fedotov and wishes him good luck in (his) career.”

Fedotov speaks limited English but noted several times he was thankful for the Flyers and the opportunity to play in the NHL.

“Very difficult two years,” he said. “Now I’m here and happy to be here and help the team.”

Fedotov is under contract with the Flyers this season after his initial deal, signed in May 2022, was tolled. He attempted to come to North America in July 2022, but instead was taken by authorities to a remote military base for a year of service.

Last summer, Fedotov signed a two-year contract with CSKA. Because Fedotov already had an NHL contract, the International Ice Hockey Federation last summer ruled in their favor and sanctioned him and CSKA.

“We were always hopeful that he would come,” Briere said. “It’s been a long road. I give him a lot of props to keep pushing and finally have the chance to come. Hopefully it’s a new chapter for him.”