Philadelphia Flyers win major legal battle in breach of contract case against Ivan Fedetov

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Matt Garland
August 14, 2023 (9:41)

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The Philadelphia Flyers have one of the best goalie prospects not playing in the NHL in Ivan Fedotov. The 26 year old Russian native is back home waiting on the resolution of his contract dispute, preparing for another hockey season.

The Philadelphia Flyers and the NHL believe they have a valid contract with Fedotov. But so does the Russian Kontinental Hockey League.

Many believe that Fedotov could make the Flyers' roster coming out of training camp.

International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif said last week a ruling on Fedotov's contract would be «soon.» Fedotov and the Russian Olympic Committee team won an Olympic silver medal in the 2022 Games after losing to Finland in the gold-medal game.

Meanwhile, Fedotov gave an interview to Russian media outlet gazeta.ru. The translation is from Google.

Fedotov talks about the NHL and how nice it is playing at home.

"There were moments when I wanted to try my hand at the NHL, but hockey is a brutal, serious sport, and you have to have certain skills to succeed in it,» Fedotov said.

«Perhaps at a stage when it was difficult to make myself known, I wanted to get into the NHL, and I was ready to break through the minor leagues there. But everything that is done is for the best.

«I am very glad that everything turned out this way, and in Russia they finally believed in me. I was given the opportunity.

«In Chelyabinsk [a city in west-central Russia], I took a serious step forward after my period in the Salavat Yulaev [Russian hockey team] system. I was able to justify the expectations of people with my result, my attitude to work. I was able to become who I am and move on.»

Drafted in the 7th round, 188th overall during the 2015 NHL draft.

«It happened when I was 18 years old,» Fedotov said. «Then I played for the youth team of Neftekhimik Reaktor, but I spent a lot of time with the first team.

«I trained with them, went to matches, got a lot of experience. Played some home and away matches. The choice in the NHL draft is a certain motivation to continue to prove something and improve."

«When you grow up, your perception of such events changes, and you look at certain things more rationally. But then it was very cool, because every boy wants to be noticed and appreciated.»

The Flyers argue that Fedotov's one-year contract, signed in May 2022, should be tolled due to his absence from the past season to fulfill military service in Russia.

Fedotov was arrested in Russia, Fedotov served a year of military duty, leading to confusion over the validity of his contract with the Flyers.

The KHL recognized a two-year deal with CSKA, believing that Fedotov lacked a valid NHL contract.

Today the IIHF officially ruled on the matter issuing the following statement:

Based on the evidence provided to the IIHF by the involved parties, the IIHF has determined that Ivan Fedotov has a valid NHL Contract with the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club for the 2023/2024 season. Accordingly, the IIHF has determined that Ivan Fedotov was in breach of a Professional Player Contract per Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations when he signed a contract with CSKA hockey club for the 2023/2024 season.

In accordance with Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, Ivan Fedotov was given two (2) weeks to either go back to his former club (i.e Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club); or obtain a release from his former club. As neither action occurred within the given period, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on Ivan Fedotov:

- A four (4) month suspension on playing in official national and international games during playing periods. The suspension shall take effect on 1 September 2023 (first CSKA regular season game) and conclude on 31 December 2023.

This is a significant victory for the Flyers and could see Fedotov report as early as next month. It will be interesting to see how the KHL responds to this decision and whether they will choose to respect for the choice.