Vyacheslav Bykov, a former head coach of Russia’s national hockey team, weighed in on the decision of goaltender Ivan Fedotov to sign with CSKA. The remarks were carried by RB Sports.
Bykov called the move positive for both CSKA and Fedotov. He noted that the veteran keeper can continue pursuing his hockey career and the sport he loves. He also observed that Fedotov having missed a season could sharpen his motivation to improve, a sign of potential resilience and focus.
Bykov stressed that every effort should be made to bring the athlete back to the club, underscoring mutual benefits for the squad and the player alike.
The CSKA contract with Ivan Fedotov was finalized in mid-summer, representing a new chapter for the goaltender within the KHL framework.
Earlier, the deputy commissioner of the National Hockey League indicated that Fedotov held a valid agreement with the Philadelphia Flyers, and that the NHL had communicated this information to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Historical notes recall that Fedotov was detained in St. Petersburg while already under contract with Philadelphia and was questioned over military service obligations. He was later transferred to a naval training unit and completed service in what was described as a closed process. His legal counsel pursued a challenge to the draft decision, and follow-up information indicated the completion of service.
Alexander Kozhevnikov, a two-time Olympic champion, commented on the CSKA–Fedotov contract, signaling a notable alignment of talent and team strategy with the club, while analysts continued to monitor the broader implications for player movement and league relationships [citation from original reporting].
Overall, the contract marks a significant moment in Fedotov’s professional journey, reflecting the interplay between clubs, national service considerations, and the evolving dynamics of international hockey talent across North America and Europe.