According to a report from TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger, the Philadelphia Flyers and Ivan Fedotov have agreed to a two-year, $6.5 million ($3.25 million AAV) contract extension.
Previous reports indicated that an extension between Fedotov and the Flyers was expected to be announced in the very near future.
Fedotov, 27, made a shock return to the Flyers organization at the end of March, terminating his contract with CSKA Moscow in the KHL in order to make the switch. After sitting out the 2022-23 season in order to complete his obligatory military service – for which he had been arrested on suspicion of evasion – Fedotov returned to the ice this season, going 21-22-1 with four shutouts and a .914 save percentage for CSKA.
The Russian was strong in the playoffs as well, despite his 1-4-0 record. Fedotov posted a 38-save shutout in a 4-0 win over Lokomotiv before CSKA was eliminated and lost each of their next four games.
Fedotov made three appearances for the Flyers this season, allowing 10 goals en route to a 0-1-1 record and a paltry .811 save percentage. The longtime KHL standout made his NHL debut on April 1, replacing Sam Ersson after the first period of a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders.
The term of Fedotov’s contract is more than reasonable. After two years, Fedotov will be only 30 years old and able to cash in on another lucrative contract before the twilight days of his playing career.
On the other hand, an average annual value of $3.25 million is rather substantial for a goalie who hasn’t proven himself at the NHL level, and generally played substandard hockey after his NHL debut.
If and when the extension is signed, the Flyers will have both Ersson and Fedotov under contract for the next two seasons. Danny Briere and Co. have not made a long-term commitment to anyone in goal as of yet, which is smart given the team’s status as rebuilders.
The Flyers can now give both goalies an opportunity to take the reins and see who runs with it.
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