Flyers Sign Dan Vladar to 5-Year Extension

It’s fair to look back at the previous season for the Philadelphia Flyers, the playoff appearance and a first-round series win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and wonder if any of it would have even been remotely possible without the addition of Dan Vladar.

Vladar was an under-the-radar free-agent signing for Danny Briere in the offseason, intended to be more of the backup than the start, at least at first. But a strong training camp and preseason gave Vladar the first chance to start, and the now 28-year-old ran with it.

Vladar appeared in 52 games in the regular season, posting a 29-14-7 record with a 2.42 GAA and .906 save percentage. In the playoffs, he was 4-6 with a 2.18 GAA and .922 save percentage in 10 games.

While Vladar still has a year remaining on his two-year deal signed last July 1, this July 1, he earned more job security. Vladar has signed a five-year contract extension with a $5.5 million AAV.

Vladar was largely a backup for most of his career. He started in Boston, a third-round pick of the Bruins in 2015. He appeared in just five games with the Bruins in the 2020-21 season.

Prior to coming to Philadelphia, Vladar spent four seasons with the Calgary Flames. He had a 47-32-15 record with a 2.97 GAA and .895 save percentage in 100 games with Calgary.

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.