A Milestone in the Crease
The NHL Network’s 2025 Top‑10 goalie rankings placed Philadelphia Flyers netminder Dan Vladar at eighth, marking his first appearance in the elite list since 2016 and underscoring his rise as one of the league’s most reliable last lines of defense.
Vladar’s season statistics reflect a breakthrough year, as he posted a 2.42 goals‑against average and a .906 save percentage during the regular schedule, both representing career highs that positioned him among the elite.
His performance continued to shine in the playoffs, where he recorded a 2.18 GAA and a .922 save percentage, underscoring his ability to elevate his game under pressure and help the Flyers secure critical victories.
The Flyers rewarded the Russian‑born goaltender with a five‑year contract worth $5.5 million per season, cementing his status as the franchise’s cornerstone between the pipes and signaling a long‑term commitment to his development.
Vladar’s ascent coincides with a broader recognition of elite goaltending, as the rankings also highlighted stars such as Andrei Vasilevskiy, who topped the list, and Jake Oettenger, Logan Thompson and Jeremy Swayman, who occupied the fifth, sixth and seventh spots respectively.
The milestone not only reflects Vladar’s personal growth but also signals a pivotal moment for the Flyers, who hope his presence will propel the team deeper into the postseason in the upcoming 2025‑26 campaign.