Flyers target extensions for Vladar and Zegras this offseason

The Philadelphia Flyers plan to complete contract extensions for Dan Vladar and Trevor Zegras after acquiring both players via trade earlier this month.

Extension timeline and roster stability

Russ Cohen reported on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio that the Flyers intend to sign Vladar first before addressing Zegras. The sequence allows Philadelphia to finalize its goaltending tandem ahead of the July 1 free-agency window. Vladar posted a .912 save percentage across 28 appearances last season with his previous club. Extending the 28-year-old netminder at an estimated 2.8 million dollars annually preserves 1.5 million dollars compared with unrestricted free agency.

Zegras, acquired in the same deal, brings 41 points from 56 games and immediately upgrades the second power-play unit. Cohen noted the club views both signings as foundational rather than splashy expenditures. Securing Zegras on a bridge deal near 5 million dollars per season keeps long-term flexibility while adding a dynamic center who has recorded at least 30 assists in each of his last three full seasons.

Additional depth targets and trade strategy

Beyond the two extensions, Cohen indicated the Flyers will pursue a bottom-pair defenseman and a bottom-six left wing. These modest additions address specific depth gaps without exceeding 3 million dollars combined. The front office continues to monitor a potential hockey trade for a top-nine center or power-play specialist. Cohen emphasized that general manager Danny Briere prefers value swaps over blockbuster salary dumps.

Philadelphia finished the 2025-26 campaign with 96 points and its first playoff berth since 2020. Cohen stressed that incremental upgrades remain necessary because “you’ve got to keep getting better.” The club’s power play operated at 17.8 percent, ranking 28th league-wide, prompting continued internal focus on personnel solutions.

Cap implications and 2026-27 outlook

By prioritizing Vladar and Zegras, Philadelphia maintains projected cap space above 7 million dollars entering training camp. This buffer supports in-season adjustments or a future extension for emerging restricted free agents. Cohen assessed that the organization remains measured in free agency and will not chase high-profile unrestricted talent.

The approach mirrors last summer’s strategy that yielded cost-controlled additions and steady on-ice improvement. With both extensions expected before the end of June, the Flyers enter July with defined core pieces and room to maneuver.

Unless Philadelphia completes a center-acquiring trade before the draft on June 25, the team will open 2026-27 training camp with Vladar and Zegras secured but still seeking top-six playmaking help.