Dan Vladar’s Next Contract with Flyers Likely to Exceed $20 Million

As the Philadelphia Flyers prepare to negotiate a contract extension for starting goalie Dan Vladar, expectations are set for a deal that could cause some sticker shock. Given the current landscape of the goaltending market, such a development is hardly surprising.

Vladar, 28, took a calculated risk last summer, signing a two-year, $6.7 million contract with the Flyers, which carried an average annual value of $3.35 million. This decision came after he demonstrated potential during his tenure with the Calgary Flames, positioning himself to seize the opportunity to become a No. 1 goalie in the NHL.

In the 2025-26 season, Vladar rose to the occasion, finishing with a record of 29 wins, 14 losses, and 7 overtime losses over 52 games, alongside a 2.42 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. His performance this past season was particularly noteworthy, as he played more games than he did in the previous two seasons combined with the Flames.

With July 1 approaching, the Flyers are expected to extend Vladar, but the conversation now shifts to the length and value of the contract. Speculation suggests a deal could range from five years at $25 million to $30 million, translating to an average annual value between $5 million and $6 million.

While this may seem steep for a goalie entering his later years coming off a career performance, such is the reality of the current market for established netminders. A recent example can be drawn from the Vancouver Canucks, who, under the guidance of former Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet, signed backup goalie Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5 million deal in February 2025. Lankinen had filled in admirably for an injured Thatcher Demko, finishing the season with a strong record of 25 wins, 15 losses, and 10 overtime losses in 51 games.

Despite Lankinen’s struggles in the following season, where he posted a 3.70 GAA and an .875 save percentage, the Canucks were in a difficult situation, much like the Flyers have been in recent years. The Flyers have faced their own goaltending challenges, experiencing two tough seasons before Vladar’s arrival.

If Vladar secures a contract exceeding $20 million, it may still place him below the salary range of a solid starter elsewhere in the league. However, as the salary cap increases in the coming years, Vladar’s contract could become more manageable, potentially positioning him as a valuable upper-tier backup.

By extending Vladar, the Flyers are not only solidifying their immediate goaltending situation but also allowing themselves the time to develop promising goalie prospects like Aleksei Kolosov, Egor Zavragin, and Carson Bjarnason. While there is always a cost associated with such decisions, the Flyers find themselves in a critical juncture where they must invest in their future.

For Vladar, this forthcoming contract represents a well-deserved reward for his dedication and the strides he has made in refining his game.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.