The Philadelphia Flyers are gearing up to extend goaltender Dan Vladar's contract, but the question remains: what will it cost? Vladar, who inked a two-year, $6.7-million contract with the Flyers last July, is eligible for an extension this summer. The Flyers' decision to sign Vladar, a career backup, to a deal in a woeful goaltending situation was met with some skepticism. However, Vladar's success with the team, including a .906 save percentage and a dominant presence during the playoffs, has solidified his value. The Flyers are now considering extending Vladar, and the key question is how much it will cost.
According to team sources, the Flyers are comfortable extending Vladar for five years, but not at a $6.8-million AAV like Filip Gustavsson's contract with the Minnesota Wild. Instead, an AAV slightly south of $6 million is considered a fair deal for Vladar. This is because, as a backup, Vladar's value will likely increase in the future with the salary cap on the rise. Additionally, Vladar's reputation as a good teammate makes him an ideal backup to the Flyers' younger goaltenders, such as Carson Bjarnason or Yegor Zavragin.
If Vladar desires a higher AAV closer to the $7-million range, Thatcher Demko's three-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks could be a potential option. This deal would only kick in when Vladar turns 29, providing him with the opportunity to sign another decent contract at age 32, when he would be more likely to secure a significant deal. However, this option may not be as appealing to the Flyers, as it could potentially limit their flexibility in the future.
The Flyers' backup goaltender, Samuel Ersson, is still uncertain about his future with the team. Ersson had an up-and-down season, finishing with a career-worst .870 SV%, but he did bounce back later in the year. The team is considering their options, and Joseph Woll of the Toronto Maple Leafs is mentioned as a potential candidate. Woll, who is under contract for two more seasons with an AAV of $3.66 million, has a .906 career SV% and could be a cost-effective alternative.
In conclusion, the Flyers' decision to extend Vladar's contract is a strategic move, but the cost remains a critical factor. With the salary cap rising and Vladar's proven success, the team is likely to find a fair compromise that benefits both parties. The future of the Flyers' goaltending situation is yet to be determined, but Vladar's extension is a step towards building a stronger foundation for the team's success.
