Quick Hits: August 14, 2023
1) The International Ice Hockey Federation ruled today that the Flyers' tolled contract with Ivan Fedotov signed in the summer of 2022 for the 2022-23 season remains valid for the 2023-24 campaign because the goaltender was unable to fulfill the deal last year. The Flyers' contract with Fedotov, therefore, takes priority over the contract Fedotov signed this summer with CSKA Moscow, despite a KHL ruling to the contrary.
The IIHF has also imposed penalties on both CSKA and Fedotov for breaching the spirit of non-interference between the NHL and KHL in regard to signing already-contracted players from the other league (despite the NHL-driven dissolvement in 2022 of the related memorandum of understanding between the leagues). Despite the lack of a new MOU, the two leagues had been honoring the terms of the old one for the last year until CSKA signed Fedotov. That prompted the NHL to get involved (on behalf of the Flyers) to appeal the case to the IIHF.
Fedotov has said he'd abide by the IIHF decision, whichever way it went, and his only goal for 2023-24 is to play hockey again after missing the 2022-23 season while serving in the Russian navy. Those comments were made prior to the IIHF formally hearing and ruling on the case.
Per the IIHF, in accordance with Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, Ivan Fedotov was given two weeks to either commit to reporting to Philadelphia or obtain a release from the Flyers (via mutual agreement to terminate the tolled contract). Neither action occurred within the given period. Consequently, the IIHF has imposed the following sanctions on Fedotov: A four- month suspension on playing in official national (i.e., KHL) and international (Team Russia) games from September 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
Additionally, the IIHF has sanctioned CSKA with a one-year ban on international transfers (signing players who were signed/played abroad). The banishment took effect on Aug. 11 and runs through Aug. 10, 2024. During that time, CSKA will not have any contracts for the 2023-24 season or offseason deals for 2024-25 with players transferring from contracts abroad recognized by the IIHF.
What all of this means in practical, real-life terms for the Flyers and Fedotov himself remains to be seen. There's a lot of ambiguity and gray areas in the IIHF decision. There's also the issue of of the Flyers having a crowded net -- five goalies under NHL contract, counting Fedotov -- and Fedotov's need to play hockey again after missing a full hockey season while in the Russian military. The player will turn 27 on Nov. 28, 2023.
To read the full report from the IIHF, click here.
2) Flyers Daily: On the weekly Mondays with Meltzer edition of Flyers Daily, Jason Myrtetus and I tackle the next three of Jason's top 10 questions heading into 2023-24: This week, we talk about Sean Couturier, Cam Atkinson, the need to build on the improved competitiveness (win or lose) shown last season and not to backslide in that area, and more. We also talk about Matvei Michkov and Cutter Gauther on NHL Network's Top 10 prospect list, along with Tyson Foerter in the top 50. On a similar note, will Foerster and/or other young player(s) earn NHL roster spots out of camp? To listen to the 27-minute conversation, click here.
3) Today in Flyers History: August 14
* 1990: The Flyers make two major additions to their scouting department, hiring Bill Dineen as a pro scout and former Flyers player Simon Nolet as an amateur scout. Nolet, who had been scouting for the Quebec Nordiques after his retirement as a player, had a handshake agreement with Bob Clarke to come back to Philadelphia in a scouting role. Although Clarke was dismissed as Flyers general manager before a contract could be drawn up and signed, Flyers executives Keith Allen and new general manager Russ Farwell honored the agreement with Nolet. Nolet would later be the Flyers scout who had the most viewings on Simon Gagne, Claude Giroux and Patrick Sharp, endorsing them as Draft pick options for the Flyers.
* 1997: The Flyers signed Tampa Bay Lightning restricted free agent center Chris Gratton to a very heavily front-loaded offer sheet. The total amount of the five-year deal was $16.5 million but included an immediate $9 million signing bonus. Ultimately, the transaction was worked into a trade. The cash-strapped Lightning did not match the offer sheet and received four first-round Draft picks (1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001) as compensation. The picks were then immediately flipped back to the Flyers in exchange for right winger Mikael Renberg and defenseman Karl Dykhuis.
* 2021: The Flyers sign 2021 second-round pick Samu Tuomaala to an entry-level contract.
4) Aug. 14 Flyers Alum Birthday: Adam Hall (1980).