Flyers’ Ivan Fedotov Nominated for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

After spending the 2022-2023 season unable to compete for a roster spot in the NHL, 28-year-old Ivan Fedotov went to the Philadelphia Flyers late in the game last season. That journey has been recognized in his nomination for the 2024-2025 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

The Professional Hockey Writers Association's Philadelphia chapter nominated the Flyers' 6-foot-7 goaltender for the NHL award. The trophy is given annually to "the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey," according to an NBC Sports Philadelphia report.

Fedotov spent the 2022-2023 season fulfilling his military duty in Russia. But his future with the Flyers was called into question during the 2023-2024 season. He opened this season in the KHL, Russia's top pro league. Once his season wrapped up with CSKA Moscow, Fedotov had his KHL contract terminated. He joined the Flyers at the end of March for the team's final eight games.

"Anytime a guy comes on the scene at this level at that sort of later age, you know that their ability to withstand things is pretty high," interim head coach Brad Shaw said on Tuesday, April 8. "Because that's a long journey."

NBC Sports Philadelphia noted that Fedotov has gone 6-13-3 this season. He's had a 3.12 goals-against average and a .881 save percentage. He's given up only one goal in his last four of six wins.

Fedotov's best performance of the season occurred on March 1, when he knocked down the NHL's Central Division leader, the Winnipeg Jets, on the road, 2-1, in a shootout.

"It has been my dream the whole time to be here and play in the NHL," Fedotov said. "Finally, I'm here where I want to be. I had a lot of extra steps."