Dan Vladar Nearing Return as Flyers Eye Goaltending Boost
The Flyers might be getting some much-needed reinforcement between the pipes soon. Dan Vladar, who’s been sidelined since mid-January with a lower-body injury, appears to be inching closer to a return. The injury dates back to that game against the Sabres, where Vladar exited after the first period and hasn’t suited up since.
Flyers Head Coach Rick Tocchet gave an encouraging update earlier this week, saying Vladar was “close” and expected back sometime this week. That optimism seems to be backed up by what we’re seeing on the ice.
As of January 27, Vladar was practicing with Goaltending Coach Kim Dillabaugh, and by all accounts, he looked sharp. Some around the team have circled the upcoming back-to-back games-possibly Wednesday and Thursday-as realistic targets for his return.
Vladar was initially listed as day-to-day before being moved to injured reserve retroactively, but the tone around his recovery has remained positive. He’s been skating consistently and progressing well, and the Flyers are hopeful that he’ll be activated soon.
In the meantime, Sam Ersson has stepped up in Vladar’s absence, holding down the crease with steady performances. But there’s no question Vladar was the go-to netminder before the injury. He’d been playing solid hockey, anchoring the Flyers in net and giving them a reliable last line of defense.
There’s also another layer of motivation for Vladar-he’s eyeing a spot with Czechia in the upcoming Olympics. That’s a big stage, and returning to form quickly will be key if he wants to be in that conversation. The Flyers, meanwhile, could certainly use his presence as they navigate a critical stretch of the season.
If Vladar is indeed ready to go this week, it could be a timely boost for a team that’s been grinding through without its top goalie. All signs point to him being close. Now it’s just a matter of when the Flyers decide to give him the green light.