The Calgary Flames have secured Ivan Prosvetov, a 26-year-old Russian goaltender, marking his return to the NHL after a strong season with CSKA Moscow in the KHL. Signed to a one-year, one-way contract worth $950,000, Prosvetov aims to face top competitors in the league, including a notable challenge against Edmonton Oilers star, Connor McDavid.
Ivan Prosvetov Pursues Starting Goalie Position with Flames
After moving between NHL and AHL teams such as the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, Prosvetov took a deliberate step to improve his career by playing in Russia’s KHL. His 2023–24 performance with CSKA Moscow boasted a 2.32 goals-against average, a .920 save percentage, four shutouts, and a 20-16-2 record, attracting interest from several NHL clubs. However, Prosvetov sought a situation offering genuine chances to compete for the lead goalie role rather than a bench position.
The most important thing is the opportunity to play and compete for the starting position,
he said in an exclusive conversation with RG.
He deliberately avoided teams with entrenched starting goalies under expensive, long-term deals, referencing Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko as an example of the kind of competition he wanted to avoid. This careful evaluation led him to Calgary, where the departure of Dan Vladar to the Philadelphia Flyers has created an opening.
Prosvetov will contend with Dustin Wolf, a promising goaltending prospect for the Flames, for ice time. His experience in Russia underscored the value of consistent playing time for a goaltender’s confidence and performance.
Despite an injury that kept me out for over a month, I still played over 40 games. At one point, I played 20 consecutive games,
Prosvetov revealed, adding,
My stats improved, and so did my game. I proved to myself that I could perform at any level.
Preparing for the Battle Against McDavid and the Battle of Alberta
Prosvetov understands the intensity he’ll face in Calgary’s fiercely passionate hockey environment, especially during the rival games against the Edmonton Oilers in what’s known as the Battle of Alberta. These matchups will put him squarely against Connor McDavid, widely considered one of the NHL’s most formidable players. Taking on McDavid is a challenge Prosvetov says motivates him the most.
Aspirations for a Stanley Cup Win in Canada
Beyond individual success, Prosvetov shares a broader ambition that resonates with Canadian fans—the hope to break the Stanley Cup drought north of the border. No Canadian NHL team has won the Cup since 1993, and Prosvetov is keenly aware of this ongoing quest for glory.
The longer something hasn’t happened, statistically, the higher the chance it eventually will,
he joked, before adding,
Winning the Cup with Calgary would be unbelievable.
He acknowledges the challenge ahead, understanding that building a team capable of winning the Stanley Cup requires years of development, teamwork, and perseverance.
A Determined Return After a Long Road
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes, Prosvetov’s path back to the NHL has been anything but straightforward. With renewed focus, fierce determination, and a promising opening in Calgary, the Flames’ new goalie hopes this one-year deal will serve as the start of a lasting and impactful NHL career.