On Tuesday, Russian goalkeeper Fedotov signed a new contract with Philadelphia. The deal with the 27-year-old goalkeeper is for two years. Over the life of the contract, Fedotov will earn $6.5 million.
Recall that in the summer of 2022, Fedotov signed a rookie contract with Philadelphia, but he was called up for military service. At the end of his service, the goalkeeper signed a two-year deal with CSKA. In March, Fedotov moved to Philadelphia after terminating his contract with the military club.
During the NHL regular season, Fedotov participated in three matches. Yesterday, a columnist spoke with Ivan.
“Maybe our paths with CSKA will cross again”
— How long did it take to negotiate a new contract with Philadelphia? Was it easy?
– Yes, everything is planned, in general – like everyone else. There was vision and understanding on both sides. We reached a mutual agreement. We realized that a two-year contract would be the best solution to see everything remotely. I thank Philadelphia for its support, faith and trust.
For me, a contract is a powerful incentive to show myself in the right way in the NHL. We must adapt to the end and work fruitfully. You don’t know how everything will turn out. But you still believe that the cooperation will be lasting. Time will tell how this actually turns out. And now I would like to once again thank the Flyers for believing in me and my strong qualities, and for their desire to develop my weaknesses.
– CSKA President Igor Esmantovich said at a press conference on Tuesday that when you parted ways, you said that you already had a good offer from Philadelphia, that is, you already had long-term projects. Is this so?
— To be honest, I can’t answer in a more constructive way. Because I am not aware of all the reports, who writes what. Well, he probably knows best how to comment on this situation. But I have no argument or explanation on this issue.
— By the way, Esmantovich denied the rumors that you yourself left CSKA without informing them. “This is not the case,” said the CSKA president. Did these rumors bother you?
— I understand that it is not necessary to read the yellow press. When I go to hockey sites, I follow the stats and who played how. What interests me is the news itself, the daily synthesis of information. And I can still skim the headlines. I only learned from you that rumors are circulating about me. I do not wish to comment on this in depth and detail. But in general, CSKA and I had a certain common denominator after a difficult and controversial season – for the club, for the guys, for me. Nobody is happy with the result. All year long we suffered, riding the waves. CSKA has perestroika ahead, certain changes for new achievements and achievements. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward.
I have honestly paid my debt to the homeland. And we came to the common conclusion that I have the opportunity to realize my dream, for which I have always strived. I hope to understand from others. That people will always respect the determination and certain ambitions that athletes can have.
I wish CSKA new achievements and victories. And who knows how this will turn out? The earth is round. What awaits us? I always approach this in a productive and positive way. Who knows, maybe one day our paths with CSKA will cross again. Therefore, you should never burn bridges. I wish everyone the best.
“Gave an extra reason to the haters”
— How do you assess the end of the regular season in Philadelphia? Have you managed to get on the right track?
— Yes, the team experienced a series of defeats. Unfortunately, when I arrived, this continued. The guys weren’t in the best conditions. It’s a difficult season for everyone. I also came under the burning hand. I don’t blame anyone in any way, I don’t even have any thoughts. The guys did everything they could to make the playoffs. It’s a shame, of course, that Philadelphia missed out on a few points that were needed to get into the top eight in the Cup. Somewhere, a few games could have been hooked, and everything would have gone differently.
But my opinion and the club’s position – I think it will converge – the guys have taken a big step forward into the future. They refuted some skeptical opinions from analysts and forecasters about where they stand this season. Throughout the championship, Philadelphia performed more than worthy. It was not possible to enter the playoffs on a good note. A great and productive future awaits us. I have confidence in this team. Together, we will work to keep the Flyers moving in the right direction.
— Evgeniy Nabokov said in an interview with that it was difficult for Fedotov, he found himself in the thick of it when he had to play almost immediately after arriving. Was it really difficult and unusual?
— Great respect on my part for Evgeniy Viktorovich. It’s great that one of my childhood idols spoke like that about me when I was just starting my goalkeeping journey. Of course, Nabokov evaluates this from his extensive experience and understanding of how this situation could have developed. This was partly the case. I do not absolve myself of all responsibility. Of course, I wouldn’t want to end the season on such a note. I would like to spend it with maximum productivity. Contribute to the common cause.
But that’s how it is, we’re getting into the thick of it, and at that point, we weren’t playing our best. This is why there were such defeats, sometimes with big scores. This happens when you find yourself in a certain hot tub or even a meat grinder. But what can you do? It’s also a good experience, I will be stronger. Once again, I gave some haters and fans of cyberbullying a reason. For those who like to make fun and assert themselves at the expense of others. But for me it’s just an experience that will be useful in the future anyway. It’s 100 percent.
“Now it’s time to work on the details.”
— But this match in Buffalo (2:4, Fedotov’s only one in Philadelphia’s starting lineup — editor’s note) was frankly a failure. Four missed goals after 19 shots.
— It’s difficult to perform well when you’re not in the rhythm of the game. This match turned out to be a tough one. Few shots, many scoring opportunities. And you don’t feel the rhythm. But what can you do? This is the flip side. This is what happens when you work in a goalie workshop. Unfortunately, this happened in the first full NHL game. And this was reflected in a general impression. I didn’t have fun in the game. Because for one and a half to two periods you just watch the game unfold, without getting involved in it very often. Buffalo played quite intelligent, balanced and, I would even say, pragmatic. They didn’t take easy shots, used fast breaks and enjoyed the puck. We didn’t make any rash decisions. It was difficult with them.
But I will say again that it was an experience that showed how they play in the NHL. The guys use a lot of passes. Where they have to throw it away, they give it away. Where they have to give, they throw it away. It is therefore clear that the adaptation period will take me time.
— What are your plans for the summer now? Where will you go? How are you going to rest, where are you going to recover?
– You have to prepare for everyday life. Adapt, understand what and how. Life has changed 180 degrees. Everything is new, a lot of unknowns. Other manner and order. Some specific things, daily and sporting, social. There are many specific times that you need to adapt to. Adjust them so that they do not affect your immediate work activities. So the plan is to organize your current affairs. Well, get ready for the season.
I’m going to rest here for a few weeks. It’s time to take a break from hockey and get your head straight. And then I will systematically focus on moments specific to goalkeepers. Ride slowly, go to the gym. Mix, then pause again. And approach the season at this pace. Now is the time to work on some details, tightening up your weaknesses. Some things need to be tightened.
More sports news in our telegram channel .
Source : MatchTV

I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.