Philadelphia Flyers are moving toward a long-term deal with goaltender Dan Vladar following a successful two-year contract that allowed him to secure the starting position. Vladar's performance contributed significantly to the team's advance to the second round of the playoffs, and he is now set to be rewarded with a possible five-year extension with an average annual value (AAV) in the mid-$5MM range. The contract discussions suggest the Flyers see long-term potential in Vladar, despite the risks involved with extending him after just one solid season.

By the Numbers
  • Vladar played 52 games this past season, with 51 being starts.
  • He achieved a career-best 2.42 GAA and a .906 SV% this season.
  • In the playoffs, he recorded a 2.18 GAA and a .922 SV% over 10 games.
  • His Goals Saved Above Expected reached 13.8 in the regular season and 8.5 in the playoffs, ranking 10th among all NHL goalies.
Yes, But

Extending Vladar after just one strong season poses risks for the Flyers, as his long-term performance remains uncertain. If his production dips in the upcoming season, the organization might end up overpaying compared to what they could secure now.

State of Play
  • Contract discussions for Vladar are ongoing, with a potential signing date targeting July 1st.
  • There is speculation about adding a sixth year to his extension, though details are still being refined.
  • Prospects like Carson Bjarnason and Yegor Zavragin are positioned for backup roles as part of the Flyers' long-term plan.
What's Next

Expect negotiations to finalize shortly, locking Vladar into the Flyers' plans and potentially stabilizing the goaltending position for the foreseeable future. How well he performs in 2026-27 will be crucial in determining if the extension proves beneficial.

Bottom Line

The Flyers are strategically prioritizing a strong goaltending future by investing in Vladar, recognizing the balance of risk and reward associated with heeding his successful performance while it's fresh. Locking him down now could be a smart move for long-term stability.