Calgary Flames prospect faces major ban from IIHF

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Julien Trekker
May 26, 2024 (2:32 PM)

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Nikita Okhotyuk broke a major IIHF rule by signing with CSKA in the KHL despite an active contract with the Flames, raising significant concerns about potential consequences.

In a post on X shared on Sunday morning, insider Darren Dreger reported that Nikita Okhotyuk, currently under contract with the Calgary Flames until July 1st, has signed a two-year deal with CSKA in the KHL.

"Nikita Okhotyuk has signed a 2 year deal with CSKA. Clearly no concern with the intentional ban that remains in effect."

This situation is much like the one of Philadelphia Flyers' goalie Ivan Fedotov, who played a season in the KHL despite having a contract with the Flyers. Fedotov was suspended for three years on the international level by the IIHF, which may set a precedent for Okhotyuk's case.

"In violation of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations. to allow a player to play without an approved international transfer) and, in violation of his NHL Standard Player Contract (SPC)"

The potential suspension raises questions about Okhotyuk's future in the NHL. Given the precedent set by Fedotov's suspension, the consequences for Okhotyuk could be severe.

Nikita Okhotyuk was drafted 61st overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2019. Since then, he has played mostly in the AHL but also participated in 67 NHL games for the Devils, San Jose Sharks, and Calgary Flames.

Do you think Nikita Okhotyuk's NHL career is over?

Source: Blade of Steel - Calgary Flames prospect breaches International ban