IIHF Decision 'Soon' on Goalie Ivan Fedotov; Cutter Gauthier Dominates at Showcase

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It has been quite a newsy day/week/summer for the Philadelphia Flyers.

International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif announced that the dispute between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Russian Ice Hockey Federation over goalie Ivan Fedotov’s contract might be close to ending.

The Flyers and the NHL contend they have a valid contract with Fedotov and have asked the IIHF to decide if that’s true.

“We will announce the decision soon,” Tardif told reporters.

“Why hasn’t the statement been made yet? The IIHF legal authority needs all the documents from each side in this case. If they are available, it will be easier for the Federation to make a decision in accordance with the rules of the IIHF.

“First of all, we will inform the clubs of our decision, leagues, and the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. We need arguments and documents from both sides, we need more time, we have to make a serious decision.

“Our decision will be based on respect for the contract.”

If Tardif rules in favor of the Flyers, Fedotov could play in North America in the fall. Fedotov is considered one of the best goaltenders in the world not playing in the NHL. He would be expected to compete for a spot on the Flyers’ roster backing up Carter Hart.

Cutter Gauthier scored two goals as Team White defeated Sweden, 10-1, in the World Junior Summer Showcase on Monday.

The Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis, on location in Plymouth, Mich., wrote about Gauthier: “Expected to be the No. 1 center for USA, Gauthier scored twice and generally played like what we know he’s capable of with Boston College.

“He’s a pro-quality player putting a beating on his own age group. USA is going to be better because of it.”

Flyers forward prospect Devin Kaplan and Cole Knuble also are competing for USA Hockey in the four-team round-robin event.

Also, Gauthier told NHL.com why he missed Flyers Development Camp.

Flyers prospect Alex Bump wants to transfer out of the University of Vermont before ever playing a game for the Catamounts.

Bump was one of the stars of the Flyers Development Camp last month.

And we thought hockey season was quiet in late-July, early-August …

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Flyers’ Cole Knuble Continues Strong Play at Showcase; Another Gauthier Goal

Carchidi Column: Flyers Should Get a New Mascot for This Season

“As the World Turns” for poor Ivan Fedotov. It would be awesome to see him in Philly in the fall, but I feel sorry for any potential “ramifications” he and his family may incur as a result. Player and family safety first for Ivan.

Good point. It’s a strange situation.

From a Flyers perspective,I am not sure we need Fedotov at all. He’s 26 and only has a one year deal. He’s barely played hockey in a year and it takes time to adjust to the North American rink sizes.

Even if you trade or lose Hart to suspension, you have the “5 Million dollar Man” Cal Petersen and Ersson with plenty of youth behind them. My goal for 2023-24 is another top 5 pick.

I wonder if the Flyers are trying to demonstrate that they are not going to tolerate any funny business from Russia for down the line.

The Flyers definitely are loading up on goaltenders. Sam Ersson looks as if he can play in the NHL. Petersen obviously can. The Russian kid they just signed gets tremendous reviews and observers love Fedotov. If Fedotov comes to Philly, and he can play, gotta think they trade someone.

The “funny business” comment is funny but is rooted in reality. Their top prospect is Russian and is playing in Russia. My guess: He’ll be in North America by 2024-25.

Thanks for your comments.CB

Yep, good point. The word seems to be the IIHF will approve the Flyers’ contract. I think Fedotov just wants to play and get paid. I also think he prefers North America.CB

Shoe one to drop is Fedotov coming over. Shoe two to drop is Hart cleared of any wrong doing at the 2018 juniors tournament. Shoe three to drop is Hart gets traded, probably during the season after the situations with Gibson, Swayman and Hellebuyck get settled.

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