Former Russian Hockey Star Sees CSKA Moscow as Potential Door to Ivan Fedotov
Avangard Maxim Sushinsky, once a standout forward for the Russian national team and a former head coach of Omsk, offered a perspective on the future of goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov. He suggested that CSKA Moscow could play a decisive role in supporting Fedotov, framing the situation within the framework of legal sports and the network of military sports clubs that exist in Russian athletics.
Sushinsky emphasized that he hopes for a careful approach when considering Fedotov’s case. He noted the presence of army sports organizations such as SKA and CSKA, drawing on his own experience as a former player who also interacted with clubs like CSK VVS. In his view, CSKA Moscow could be instrumental in aiding Fedotov by offering training opportunities and guidance as he navigates the ongoing circumstances surrounding his career and service obligations.
The situation with Fedotov took a notable turn on July 1 when his recall became public knowledge in St. Petersburg. The goalkeeping talent faced allegations related to avoiding military service, a charge that has attracted significant attention within the hockey community and among fans following the player’s professional trajectory.
Further developments emerged on July 6, when it was reported that the 25-year-old goalie was transported to a military hospital operated by the Ministry of Defense in Severodvinsk due to a gastritis flare-up linked to stress. After treatment, Fedotov was discharged from the hospital and then moved to a training unit where special conditions were arranged. Media outlets indicated that he could be sworn in during mid-August, a development that carries substantial implications for his playing status and contractual commitments with teams in North America and Russia alike.
Earlier in May, the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers announced the signing of Fedotov on a one-year contract, highlighting the cross-border interest in his talents and the potential for his career to straddle leagues beyond Russia. The situation has drawn attention from coaches, fans, and analysts who are tracking how service obligations and league eligibility interact with professional contracts and international mobility for elite athletes.
Alexei Kudashov, who previously coached Dynamo Moscow, offered remarks on Fedotov’s service in the army, contributing to the broader discussion about the balance between national duties and professional sports commitments. Kudashov’s perspective adds another dimension to how teams assess the readiness and availability of players facing service-related requirements, as well as the potential pathways for reintegration into high-level competition once obligations are fulfilled or resolved.