“Fedotov will return to the previous level, and maybe even better” – Khabibulin

Nizhny Novgorod goalkeeper coach “Torpedo” Nikolai Khabibulin said he was convinced that the goalkeeper of CSKA Ivan Fedotov can return to the previous level of the game.

In August, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) suspended Fedotov from September 1 until the end of 2023 for signing a contract with CSKA under a valid agreement with NHL club Philadelphia Flyers. On September 1, Fedotov took to the ice in the starting lineup of the Reds and Blues for the KHL opener against Ak Bars (2:5), after which the IIHF imposed a fine of five thousand francs Swiss to the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. (FHR). On September 3, Fedotov remained in CSKA reserve for the match against Admiral (4:1).

– I have no doubt that Vanya will return to the previous level, and maybe even better. First, he is quite young. Second, what happened to him will only make him stronger mentally. How quickly will he get back into shape? Hard to say. But if they let him play from the start, given that he has had a full pre-season, I think 15 to 20 games, and he will come back to his level.

It is clearly not easy, but it is real. I remember I didn’t play for six months, then I played half a season, then I only played two games until the end of the season. That is, I didn’t train at all, then I trained for 10-12 days and went to play. Vanya was not injured, judging by the photo, he is physically fit. There is no doubt that Fedotov will play well. It’s one thing, if he was 35 it would be harder to come back,” Khabibulin said according to Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Watch matches of the Fonbet KHL championship on the Match holding channels, as well as on the matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru sites.

russian newspaper