The Philadelphia Flyers ended a six-year playoff drought this spring, reaching the second round before running out of gas. Now they’re betting on the guy who got them there — and making it clear he’s the cornerstone in net.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, the Flyers and goaltender Dan Vladar are closing in on a five-year contract extension expected to land in the mid-$5 million AAV range. The deal can’t be officially signed until July 1, but the framework is already taking shape.
“Per sources, I’m told G Vladar and the [Flyers] are working towards closing in on a 5 Yr Contract Extension that’s likely to land in the mid 5M AAV range,” Weekes reported.
Vladar, a third-round pick by Boston in 2015, only played five games for the Bruins before being traded to Calgary. After 90 starts over five seasons with the Flames, he signed a two-year deal with Philadelphia. That contract began this past season, and the Flyers immediately put him to work.
He started 51 regular-season games and all 10 playoff games for coach Rick Tocchet. By the end of the Hurricanes series, Vladar was clearly running on fumes — he lost all four games as Carolina swept Philly out. But the organization believes he’s the long-term answer, and they’re paying him like one.
The bigger issue: finding a capable backup
Samuel Ersson, the Flyers’ other option in 2025-26, posted an .870 save percentage and a 3.12 goals-against average over 33 games. Vladar’s numbers — .906 save percentage and 2.42 GAA — made the playoff decision easy, but they also highlight a glaring problem. If Philadelphia wants Vladar fresh for another postseason push, they can’t run him into the ground during the regular season again.
That means finding a reliable backup who can carry a heavier load than Ersson. One logical option: David Rittich, who turned in a solid season with the New York Islanders and will be a free agent on July 1. At 32, Rittich is no spring chicken, but he’s cost-effective and — notably — Czech, just like Vladar. Familiarity matters, especially for a goalie tandem.
The Flyers are not allowed to officially sign Vladar until the new league year starts on July 1. That same day, they should also be targeting a competent partner for him. The goal is clear: build a team that can survive the regular season without grinding Vladar into paste, then let him take over when the games matter most.
What else might Philly add this summer to make a deeper run next season? Stay tuned — because this core isn’t finished yet.
Leave a Comment