According to a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Philadelphia Flyers are expected to announce a two-year contract extension for goalie Ivan Fedotov shortly.
Fedotov, 27, can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Friedman states that the Flyers “are expected to announce a two-year extension for Ivan Fedotov at any time,” just one day after both head coach John Tortorella and Danny Briere said in their exit interviews that Fedotov and incumbent starter Sam Ersson would be the goaltending tandem next season.
At the beginning of April, it was reported that Fedotov and the Flyers were working on a “longer-term” extension, which is now coming into view. By giving Fedotov two seasons, the Flyers cover their bases in two regards.
The obvious one is, in case he struggles, the team does not have much of a commitment to him. On the other hand, if he excels and blows the team away, the Flyers will have a one-year head start on negotiating another extension, on top of having Fedotov for that extra year.
According to Moneypuck, only one goaltender (Ken Appleby) in the NHL saved fewer goals above expected per 60 minutes than Fedotov (-2.764), who allowed 10 goals in his three appearances for the Flyers. We have seen Fedotov play well, and we have seen him play not so well.
Both Tortorella and Briere publicly committing to Fedotov is an encouraging sign, and left little doubt that they would be bringing the hulking Russian back for at least one more season. Right now, the two sides appear to be closing in on two seasons, and as always, we will be anticipating the official announcement as well as the salary numbers.
It’s been a long time coming for Fedotov, and it’s great to see him stay in Philadelphia for at least a few more years.
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