Flyers activate Czech Olympian Dan Vladar off injured reserve

The Philadelphia Flyers have activated goaltender Dan Vladar off injured reserve, making him available for Wednesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Columbus, Ohio. ESPN Daily Faceoff

Vladar, a 28-year-old Czech native, missed the past two weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained in a game at Buffalo. The move comes as the Flyers look to steady their recent form, having dropped four of their last six contests.

This activation also coincides with the loan of goaltender Aleksei Kolosov back to the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Vladar’s return bolsters a crease that has leaned heavily on Samuel Ersson during his absence. With the Olympics approaching, the timing adds extra significance for the netminder selected for Team Czechia.

Vladar’s breakout 2025-26 campaign

Dan Vladar has enjoyed arguably the finest season of his NHL career so far in 2025-26. In 28 starts for the Flyers, he boasts a 16-7-4 record, allowing 67 goals with a 2.46 goals-against average that ranks ninth league-wide. ESPN His .905 save percentage places 18th among goalies with at least 20 appearances.

Signed to a two-year, $6.7 million contract by Philadelphia on July 1, 2025, after four seasons with the Calgary Flames organization, Vladar transitioned seamlessly into a primary role. NHL Previously a backup since debuting with Boston’s system in 2015, the Prague native has elevated his game, averaging over 58 minutes per outing.

His consistency has been key for a Flyers team flirting with playoff contention. Advanced metrics highlight his impact, with Vladar ranking 17th in goals saved above expected per some analytics sites. This surge follows a solid 2021-22 with Calgary, where he posted 13 wins and a .906 save percentage in 23 games.

The netminder’s technical growth shines in puck-handling and rebound control, areas refined under Flyers goaltending coach Kim Dillabaugh. Teammates credit his calm demeanor for stabilizing defensive efforts.

The injury setback and recovery

Vladar exited early in the first period of a January 14 game against the Buffalo Sabres with a lower-body issue. Initially listed as day-to-day, he was placed on injured reserve retroactive to that date, missing six games. Rotowire

Head coach Rick Tocchet noted progress throughout the week, with Vladar skating alongside Dillabaugh by January 27. Reporters observed him looking sharp in practice, signaling readiness. Flyers Nitty Gritty

The Flyers managed with Ersson and a recall of Kolosov, but inconsistencies emerged. Vladar’s absence exposed depth issues in net, prompting the organization to prioritize his swift return.

No long-term concerns arose, unlike other Flyers Olympians dealing with injuries. Vladar’s timeline aligned perfectly, avoiding any Olympic jeopardy.

Flyers’ struggles without their top netminder

Philadelphia has faltered lately, losing four of six since Vladar’s injury. Defensive lapses compounded goaltending pressures on Ersson, who faced increased shot volume.

The team recalled Kolosov under emergency conditions earlier, but he saw limited action before the loan back to Lehigh Valley. Ersson shouldered the load, posting respectable but not elite numbers.

This stretch tested the Flyers’ depth amid a broader injury wave affecting players like Rasmus Ristolainen and Bobby Brink. Yet, the core remained competitive, holding a playoff-adjacent position.

Vladar’s return offers stability heading into a pivotal schedule. For more on the team’s recent transactions, check the official Flyers announcement.

Olympic dreams on the horizon

Vladar was named one of three goalies for Czechia at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics on January 6. NHL Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal is the projected starter, with Utah’s Karel Vejmelka vying for backup duties alongside Vladar.

The tournament begins in early February, giving Vladar crucial games to sharpen ahead of international duty. His selection marks him as Philadelphia’s fourth Olympian this year.

Injuries to fellow Czech-bound players raised concerns, but Vladar’s health now eases those. Representing his country adds motivation, as noted in Czech Ice Hockey Association announcements.

His NHL form bolsters Czechia’s medal hopes in a stacked field. Teammates like David Pastrnak headline the roster.

Previewing the Blue Jackets matchup

Vladar draws the start against Columbus on Wednesday night (7 p.m. ET, HBO Max, truTV, TNT). NHL The Blue Jackets present a testing return, with their offense clicking midseason.

Philadelphia seeks a rebound win to halt the skid. Vladar’s familiarity with high-pressure spots could prove decisive.

Key matchups include Flyers power play versus Columbus penalty kill. Expect Ersson as backup, with depth forwards rotating.

A strong outing reinforces Vladar’s No. 1 status and sets positive momentum pre-Olympic break.

Vladar’s activation injects optimism into a Flyers squad aiming higher. His elite play this season, paired with Olympic aspirations, positions Philadelphia well for the stretch run. As the team eyes playoffs, a healthy Vladar remains central to their success—what unfolds in Columbus could signal brighter days ahead.