Philadelphia Flyers Trade for Dan Vladar
The Philadelphia Flyers made a notable move in the offseason by trading for goaltender Dan Vladar from the Calgary Flames, a decision that generated more intrigue than widespread excitement. At 27 years old, Vladar has spent the majority of his career as a backup player, primarily supporting Jacob Markström and, more recently, Dustin Wolf. The Flyers, however, see potential in Vladar, regarding him as a developing talent with significant upside, solid size, and technical skills that can be refined with the right coaching.
Contract and Coaching
In order to maximize Vladar’s capabilities, the Flyers have secured him with a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $3.35 million, as confirmed by Siobhan Nolan on July 1, 2025. Vladar’s growth will be imparted under the supervision of Kim Dillabaugh, a well-respected goaltending coach retained from John Tortorella’s staff, known for enhancing goalies’ mechanics and overall performance. For Vladar, the opportunity to mature into a valuable asset for the franchise runs through Dillabaugh’s mentorship along with a clearer identity being established within the Flyers’ netminding situation.
Performance Metrics
Examining Vladar’s performance metrics reveals a mixed narrative. Over the course of 105 NHL appearances, he boasts a .895 save percentage and a 3.00 goals-against average. Yet, these numbers need to be interpreted within the framework of inconsistent playing time. His best showing came in the 2024-25 season with a modest .898 save percentage across 30 games.
Digging deeper into his statistics, Vladar has demonstrated average performance when evaluated by Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx), a metric that provides insight into shot quality. While he occasionally struggles against lateral plays and secondary chances, he shows strong composure against straight-line attacks and low shots.
Physical Attributes and Strengths
Vladar’s physical attributes are noteworthy; standing at 6-foot-5, he possesses the size advantageous for handling aggressive plays without needing to overextend himself. However, his tendency to be excessively proactive in his positioning can leave him susceptible to backdoor plays and quick dekes from attacking forwards. At his best, when maintaining solid position and movements, he exhibits the attributes of a capable starter, but under pressure, he can become unsettled.
Strengths in Vladar’s game include his agility and considerable size—he navigates the crease well for someone of his stature. Notably, he has shown improvement in his rebound control, efficiently directing shots away from high-risk areas. His ability to read shots through screens is also commendable, particularly given the Flyers’ defensive strategy that prioritizes shot-blocking and net protection.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Nonetheless, he faces challenges in lateral movements. When presented with rapid puck movement in the offensive zone, he can struggle to keep pace, which may necessitate desperate saves or result in exposing his net. This is compounded by an inconsistent response when dealing with wraparounds and other low-play scenarios, leaving him vulnerable as the league increasingly emphasizes low-to-high puck movement.
In terms of overall game management, Vladar often loses his technical discipline during prolonged defensive shifts. Instead of maintaining composure, he can overreact to screens or hasty puck movements, leading to stretches where he concedes multiple quick goals.
The Role of Coaching
This is where Dillabaugh’s guidance is expected to be pivotal. His coaching philosophy, well demonstrated in both Philadelphia and previously in Los Angeles, revolves around instilling technical discipline and mental toughness in goalies. Under his watch, goaltenders like Sam Ersson have shown significant improvements in key areas, setting a potential template for Vladar to follow.
Competition and Future Outlook
Adding to the complexity of the Flyers’ goaltending situation is the presence of Sam Ersson, who performed admirably during the previous season and returns to compete for the true No. 1 role. However, consistency will be essential, and Vladar’s arrival creates healthy competition within the squad. Together, they present contrasting styles: Ersson is methodical and efficient, while Vladar tends to be more dynamic and explosive when on form.
Ultimately, Vladar is not a guaranteed success; he hasn’t yet established himself as a long-term starter, but he represents an appealing investment for the Flyers. His current contract allows the team to assess his growth without immediate financial burdens, and the hope is that with Dillabaugh’s mentorship, Vladar can stabilize his game and become a reliable component in Philadelphia’s journey back toward playoff contention. In a league often defined by uncertainty in goalie development, Vladar’s future within the Flyers could prove instrumental, particularly if he receives the right support and opportunities to showcase his abilities.
