The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a significant move to bolster their goaltending department, acquiring netminder Ivan Fedotov from the Philadelphia Flyers. The trade, officially announced on Sunday, sees the Blue Jackets send a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to Philadelphia in exchange for the Russian international.
This acquisition is a direct response to the Blue Jackets` struggles in preventing goals last season, where they finished among the bottom ten teams in the league for goals allowed. The team aims for Fedotov to provide much-needed reinforcement between the pipes.
Fedotov, 28, recently completed his first full NHL season with the Flyers. Across 26 appearances, he posted a record of 6-13-4, accompanied by a 3.15 goals-against average (GAA) and an .880 save percentage.
Originally drafted by the Flyers 188th overall in the seventh round of the 2015 NHL Draft, Fedotov made his way to the NHL towards the end of the 2023-24 season after concluding his successful KHL campaign with CSKA Moscow.
Before his NHL debut, Fedotov spent a decade playing professional hockey in Russia. A highlight of his career includes winning a KHL championship with CSKA Moscow during the 2021-22 season.
Upon arriving in Columbus, Fedotov will join a goaltending group that currently features Elvis Merzlikins and promising AHL standout Jet Greaves. The Blue Jackets conceded 267 goals last season, marking them as the eighth-highest in the NHL, which clearly illustrates the team’s pressing need for goaltending improvements.
Trade Summary:
- Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire: Goaltender Ivan Fedotov
- Philadelphia Flyers Acquire: 2026 Sixth-Round Draft Pick