The hockey community is in mourning following the sudden death of former KHL player Fedor Malykhin, who died at the age of 34 from heart failure. His death was officially recorded on March 19, 2025, by the registry office in Yekaterinburg, where the causes of his passing were noted as acute heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
Malykhin, who made an impressive mark during his professional career, played a total of 548 matches in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), accumulating 220 points with 107 goals and 113 assists. He was part of several prestigious teams, including Avangard, Avtomobilist, Ak Bars, Vityaz, Spartak, and Traktor, and earned significant recognition as he helped Ak Bars win the Gagarin Cup in 2018.
The news of his passing on March 18 sent shockwaves through the community, leading to an outpouring of grief amongst fans and players alike. Danil Galimullin, a close friend of Malykhin’s, shared details of the last days leading up to the tragedy, indicating that Malykhin had no prior health complaints. According to Galimullin, the two friends had a training session just five days prior on March 13, and they had spent the evening of March 16 watching a game together at UGMK-Arena, where Malykhin consumed three bottles of beer, a detail confirmed with Galimullin explaining, “It was nothing excessive.”
Eyewitness accounts portray Malykhin as being in good spirits during that match, enjoying the time without any apparent signs of distress. He even took home three beer bottles after the game—amounting to about three liters—which he savored gradually over the course of the evening. However, the following day, Galimullin did not manage to contact Malykhin, which he later regretted. It was only when Malykhin's father reached out, unable to get through to his son, that the shocking news of Fedor's demise broke. An initial investigation revealed that Malykhin had locked himself in his apartment, leading to a forced entry by his father, who found him unresponsive on the couch.
In the heart of his apartment, the scene suggested a sudden and unexpected passing; Malykhin was found relaxed on the couch, with his head tilted back and a phone in his hand, indicating that he had not been in distress. Investigators discovered no signs of foul play or illicit substances—only the empty beer bottles and a pizza box, suggesting an ordinary evening that turned into a tragic ending. Galimullin remarked, “It was a sudden, momentary death...it felt as if he just turned off,” emphasizing the shock of losing someone who seemed to be in perfect condition just hours earlier.
The authorities have since announced that a histological examination will be carried out to determine the precise cause of death, which may take up to 30-40 days. Speculations are already swirling regarding the possibility of a blood clot, especially considering past health events. Malykhin underwent surgery on his hand late in 2024, after which it is reported that he was prescribed blood-thinning medication to prevent clot formation.
Although the investigation into his tragic death continues, Malykhin’s father confirmed during an interview that the family will proceed with the funeral arrangements with dignity. "We usually called each other every evening - this time, there was no contact at all,” Mikhail Malykhin noted, illustrating the depth of his family's loss. “Everything was neat, he was getting ready for bed. My son was beloved by many," he recounted with evident heartache.
The hockey world has paid respect in the form of a minute of silence held during KHL regular-season matches on March 18—an acknowledgment of Malykhin’s contributions to the sport and the legacy he leaves behind. Friends, family, and teammates are set to gather on March 21, 2025, at the Shirokorechensky cemetery in Yekaterinburg for the funeral. The farewell ceremony is expected to commence at 11:00 AM local time (9:00 AM Moscow time).
Malykhin's career, having started in 2007 with Avtomobilist-2, blossomed in the KHL where he debuted in 2011. He was a notable presence in the league, having represented the Eastern Conference All-Star Team during the KHL All-Star Game in 2014. His decision to retire in 2023 marked the end of a significant chapter as he looked to further his education and take on a role as deputy director at the Fakel physical culture and health complex.
As the hockey community reflects on the loss, many remember Malykhin not simply for his stats, but for the passion he brought to the rink and his dedication to the sport. His untimely passing serves as a grievous reminder of the unpredictability of life, leaving many to cherish the memories built through years on and off the ice.
