With new contract extension, Vladar grateful to Flyers for show of faith

The terms “goaltending” and “stable situation” were not a good match for the Flyers in recent years.
At least not until Dan Vladar arrived on the scene prior to the start of the 2025-26 season.
Vladar, a free agent who last played for Calgary, skated into Philadelphia and took over the netminding position by storm.
A year later, after leading the Flyers to their first playoff action since 2020, Vladar has been given a new five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.5 million per year.
To say Vladar is appreciative would be an understatement.
In a Thursday media Zoom call, Vladar said he looks forward to helping the Flyers continue their positive progression.
Getting the deal officially done so quickly means a lot to him, too. Plus, he had a year to go on his first contract here, so the Flyers could have taken their time with this. But they didn’t.
“I really enjoyed my first year,” he said. “When they were talking (about the extension), I was really excited about it.”
The Flyers showing enough faith to give him five years off just one outstanding season also struck a chord with the Czech netminder.
General manager Daniel Briere has made it a point to let it be known Vladar is a leader both on and off the ice.
No doubt that played a part in the size and length of the contract.
“I don’t take it for granted,” Vladar said. “I feel like I’ve become a part of the family here. My goal is to be here for as long as I can. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Philly.
“When I signed in Philly basically every single player reached out to me. Same with the management. Since day one, everyone has welcomed me with open arms. For me, that means a lot. I believe in this organization and I want to be part of it.”
At 28, Vladar’s best years could still be in front of him.
“I want to stay here for as long as I can,” he said. “And help the guys around me.”
Vladar finished second in the NHL among goaltenders who played at least 50 games with a 2.42 goals goals-against average. In the playoffs, he posted two shutouts, with a .922 save percentage and 2.18 goals-against average.
The acquisition of goalie Joseph Woll from Toronto in a deal which sent Vladar’s former partner, Sam Ersson, to the Maple Leafs should help stabilize that aspect of the game in Philadelphia.
If Woll plays up to his career stats, it could give Vladar some relief when the schedule gets busy, especially on the tail end of back-to-back games.
“I reached out right away to Joe,” Vladar said. “We’re going to need two, if not three goalies, over the next couple years.
“For me, nothing is changing. I’m going to be supportive, I’m going to battle and I’m going to be there every time he needs me. Nothing is changing for me. He seems like a really good person and wants to be a Flyer. That’s what I think we’re trying to build here.”