The Philadelphia Flyers are getting a key piece back between the pipes. Goaltender Dan Vladar has been activated off injured reserve and is set to return to the crease Wednesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In a corresponding move, the team has sent rookie Aleksei Kolosov back to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL.
Vladar hasn’t seen game action since January 14, when he exited after the first period of what turned into a rough outing against the Buffalo Sabres. Since then, he’s been sidelined with an undisclosed injury, and the Flyers have felt his absence.
Sam Ersson and Kolosov have handled the goaltending duties in the interim, with Ersson shouldering most of the starts. The results?
A 2-4-1 stretch that’s left the Flyers searching for stability as they push toward the Olympic break.
The timing of Vladar’s return couldn’t be more important. With just five games remaining before the league pauses for the Winter Olympics, the Flyers are looking to regain their footing.
Momentum heading into the break can be a difference-maker - not just in the standings, but in the locker room. Getting their No. 1 goaltender back gives them a better shot at doing just that.
And make no mistake - Vladar has been that guy for Philly this season. He’s recorded 16 of the team’s 24 wins, posting a 2.46 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. Those aren’t just solid numbers - they’ve been the backbone of a Flyers team that’s leaned on its goaltending more than once this year.
The Czech netminder is also set to represent his country in the upcoming Olympics, and you can bet he’ll want to head into that tournament in top form. Wednesday’s game in Columbus marks his first step back, and all eyes will be on how he responds after the layoff.
Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. EST.
For the Flyers, it’s not just about getting their starter back - it’s about finding their rhythm again. And with Vladar back in goal, they’ve got a better chance of doing just that.