After Kolosov and Fedotov both fell short of expectactions this past season, Danny Briere was given the difficult task of finding a backup or tandem goaltender to pair with Sam Ersson in a scarce free agent pool.
With Carson Bjarnason and Yegor Zavragin requiring additional development years in the AHL and KHL, the Flyers needed to sign a goalie for the upcoming season. Whether it be via trade or free agency, the Flyers' front office knew goaltending was an overarching deficit that required attention this off-season.
Ideally, the Flyers have been looking to sign a goaltender to a short-term deal to act as a stop-gap until either (or both) of their promising prospects are ready for the NHL.
Some experts recommended a veteran goaltender who could play 30-35 games to to ensure Ersson will remain injury free for an entire season, as well as work on his consistency. After another season of showing flashes of greatness but stretches of inferior play, Ersson is in need of a proven NHL caliber counterpart to aid in his short and long term development. The 25 year old Swede is highly regarded by the Flyers' brass but their faith in him won't survive another year of lackluster performance.
Farewell Calgary
As of July 1st, Danny Briere and Keith Jones appear to have chosen the goaltender they expect to complement Ersson and his name is Dan Vladar, a 75th overall pick in the 2015 draft. A native of Czechia, Vladar is 6'5"/209lbs and has played the last four seasons with the Calgary Flames.
Most recently backing up Dustin Wolf (2025 Calder Trophy finalist), Vladar opted to test the free agent market this summer with aspirations of finding a team able to provide him with a more meaningful role. Statistically, 25 year-old Vladar doesn't exactly jump off the page, but held a slightly below average .898 save percentage and 2.80 goals against average in 30 games played last season.
To say the least, the Flyers certainly have plenty of opportunity for a skilled goaltender to maximize his talent after a change of scenery. Obviously, Vladar feels that he is capable of more than a backup role and the Flyers are very well giving him an opportunity to make a name for himself in Philadelphia.
With a two-year, 6.7 million dollar contract (3.35 million AAV), the possible reclamation project is being paid a bit more than most Flyers fans were hoping for. However, the short-term nature of the contract is exactly what the Flyers needed.
Playing Style
Vladar appears to thrive in several technical aspects of his game, not unlike other successful NHL goalies from overseas. He has long, powerful legs that allow him to maneuver post to post with minimal effort. Even though he plays with immense athleticism, Vladar has remarkable rebound control and composure when making saves at the top of the crease.
For a taller goaltender, he even returns to the butterfly quite quickly, thus preventing many slam dunk five-hole goals, which were an Ivan Fedotov specialty in the 2024-25 season. Heck, look at his sequence of saves against the relentless Carolina Hurricanes.
Is Dan Vladar the goaltender of the future for the Flyers? Most likely not. But, he is a suitable backup or 1A/1B to pair with Sam Ersson for the short-term future. Although fans may feel this signing wasn't the big name player with a proven resume they were hoping for, it appears Briere did his best to make the most of an especially weak free agent pool for net-minders.
As the Flyers welcome another new face to Broad Street, fans can only hope it brings newfound success and not additional disappointment following an abysmal 2024-25 season.