Flyers at the Olympics: What to Watch as Sanheim, Vladar, and Ristolainen Hit the Ice in Milan
The Flyers might be on pause for the next couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean their players are taking it easy. With the 2026 Winter Olympics kicking off in Milan, three Flyers are suiting up for their countries: defenseman Travis Sanheim for Canada, goaltender Dan Vladar for Czechia, and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen for Finland.
None of these guys are expected to be the face of the tournament, but each has a chance to play a meaningful role in their team’s Olympic journey. So as the puck drops on international play, here’s what Flyers fans should be keeping a close eye on.
Travis Sanheim: From Workhorse to Role Player for Team Canada
Travis Sanheim has been logging serious miles for the Flyers this season - just as he did last year. The 6-foot-4 blueliner has been a steady presence on the back end, eating up minutes and doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet. But with Cam York and Jamie Drysdale stepping up, Sanheim’s workload has eased a bit in Philadelphia.
That’s why some might have hoped this Olympic break would give him a chance to recharge. After all, he’s barely missed a game since breaking into the NHL nine years ago.
A few weeks off to rest, reset, and gear up for the stretch run of a tough season? That would’ve been ideal.
But instead, Sanheim’s headed to Milan - again. Just like during last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off, he’ll be representing Canada on the international stage.
The good news? His role won’t be nearly as demanding as it is with the Flyers.
Sanheim is expected to slot in on Canada’s third pairing or possibly even serve as a healthy scratch at times. That’s a far cry from his top-pair, all-situations role in Philly. He’ll likely be asked to play a simpler game - move the puck efficiently, stay solid defensively, and support veterans like Drew Doughty and Colton Parayko.
That reduced role should help limit wear and tear, but it’s not exactly a vacation. He’s still practicing, still going through game-day routines, and still putting his body on the line.
For a player the Flyers rely on heavily, staying healthy through this tournament is priority No. 1.
Dan Vladar: The Dark Horse in Czechia’s Crease
Dan Vladar wasn’t brought to Philadelphia to steal headlines - he was brought in to stabilize a position that’s been anything but stable in recent years. And while the Flyers’ season hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing, Vladar has quietly done his part between the pipes. That steady performance earned him a spot on Czechia’s Olympic roster, and now he’s got a shot to do something special on the international stage.
Czechia’s goaltending trio also includes Karel Vejmelka (Utah) and Lukas Dostal (Anaheim), both of whom have more name recognition and have logged more starts this season. But when you look at the numbers, Vladar stacks up well - better, in fact, in both save percentage and goals against average.
Vladar’s played 33 games this year, just a tick behind Dostal’s 38. Vejmelka, meanwhile, leads the NHL in appearances with 44. So while Vladar may not be the first name on the depth chart, he’s not far behind - and if he gets hot, there’s every chance he could take over the crease.
It’s the kind of situation where performance will dictate opportunity. If Vladar shines early, Czechia could ride the hot hand through the knockout rounds. And for Flyers fans, that’s something to root for - not just because it would be a feel-good story, but because it would further validate the team’s investment in him.
Rasmus Ristolainen: Big Role, Big Risk for Finland
Let’s be honest: anytime Rasmus Ristolainen’s name comes up, the first thought is usually about his health. The Finnish defenseman has had a rough go of it when it comes to staying on the ice. But just before the Olympic break, he managed to get back into the lineup, and now he’s heading overseas to suit up for Finland.
Here’s the catch: unlike Sanheim, Ristolainen isn’t easing into a secondary role. He’s expected to log big minutes - possibly even top-pair minutes alongside Miro Heiskanen. That’s a lot to ask of a player who’s been battling injuries all season and hasn’t quite looked like the version of himself we saw under John Tortorella last year.
From Finland’s perspective, it makes sense. Ristolainen brings size, experience, and a physical edge.
But from the Flyers’ point of view, it’s a bit nerve-wracking. They need him healthy - whether that’s to contribute down the stretch or to explore trade options before the March 6 deadline.
Philadelphia has already been down this road. Last year, Ristolainen’s injury status complicated potential trade talks. And with only one year left on his deal after this season, his value could be at its peak - if he can stay on the ice.
Even if a trade doesn’t materialize by the deadline, Ristolainen’s durability will be key to any offseason move. No team is going to give up assets for a player they’re not confident can handle a full season. So for both the Flyers and Ristolainen, this Olympic run is about more than just national pride - it’s about staying healthy and showing he can still be a reliable presence on the blue line.
Bottom Line
The Flyers might be on break, but their players are still very much in the spotlight. Sanheim, Vladar, and Ristolainen each have something to prove - whether it’s maintaining form, seizing opportunity, or just staying healthy.
The Olympics may not be the biggest moment of their careers, but for these three, it’s a crucial checkpoint in a season that still has plenty of questions to answer. Flyers fans should keep a close eye on Milan - not just for the love of the game, but for what it could mean back home in Philly.