During the draft last weekend, the one and only report about the new pact came from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, which cited the deal as for 5 years at $5.5 million average annual value.
The official pact, which is set to kick in one year from now and expire in 2031, was revealed to be the same term and amount.
"From the moment Dan arrived in Philadelphia, he exceeded our expectations. He earned this contract extension by the way he competed every time he stepped in net," said Flyers GM Danny Briere. "Beyond his play on the ice, he was an exceptional addition to our locker room, becoming a big leader and positive force for our group. He's a valuable teammate who really gained the trust and respect of his teammates and coaching staff right from the get-go."
While no details were made publicly available by the club, multiple reports citing "Flyers team sources" reported it contains a full no-movement clause over the first 2 years of the deal with a limited no-trade clause over the final 3 seasons.
For Vladar, who was set to become a restricted free agent next summer, that's both a huge relief and a large chunk of pressure laid on his shoulders.
The soon-to-be-29-year-old native of Czechia finished his first full NHL season by going 29-14-7 with a 2.42 goals-against average and .906 save percentage across 52 appearances. Vladar shook off an injury sustained in the opening round to finish the postseason at 4-6 with a 2.18 GAA, .922 save pct and a pair of shutouts.
During a 6-game first-round triumph over the rival Pittsburgh Penguins, Vladar became the 6th goalie in franchise history to record at least 2 shutouts vs. a single opponent, joining Bernie Parent, Pelle Lindbergh, Ron Hextall, Roman Cechmanek and Michael Leighton.
Vladar was entering the final season of a 2-year deal worth $3.35M AAV. While the number and term suggest Vladar would be the Flyers' true No. 1 going forward, the acquisition of Joe Woll from the Toronto Maple Leafs for RFA Sam Ersson 2 weeks prior, and GM Danny Briere's suggestion that he work "in tandem" with Vladar suggest a 1A/1B situation.
What that might signal, is that the club is offering more term to see if Vladar can gradually grow into the role. Other, cheaper veteran backup options were on the table, such as James Reimer, Jonathan Quick and Matt Murray.
Heading into his 7th NHL season, Vladar has logged only 157 regular-season games for the Bruins, Flames and Philadelphia.
In a shocking move given the expected rise in salary-cap space for the upcoming season, the Orange and Black also reportedly completed a contract extension for forward Tyson Foerster. Elliotte Friedman was first on this just before the noon frenzy, reporting his new deal would be for 8 years with an approximate AAV of $7M per year.
As reported by the team, the AAV is $7.1M over the length of the 8-year pact, which kicks in next year and is scheduled to expire into UFA status in 2035.
Foerster is still owed 1 more year on his current contract at $3.75M for this season, then becomes an RFA next July 1. The 24-year-old Ontario native missed 4 months with an undisclosed arm injury which required surgery, but rebounded to record 13 goals and 17 points in 29 regular-season games. He totaled just a single goal across 10 playoff appearances.
"He has established himself as an important piece of the foundation we're building here," Briere said. "We have a great deal of confidence in him and believe he'll play a significant role as we continue building toward a successful team for years to come."
Foerster, who the Flyers took with the 23rd pick 2020 draft, has yet to show sustained brilliance which typically accompanies a first-round selection. He's totaled just 100 points in 195 games across parts of four NHL seasons. Nevertheless, the lengthy deal signifies that GM Danny Briere has no intention of revisiting certain young players' status via bridge deals in the next few years, while also stamping, in indelible ink, that Foerster is expected to achieve his potential and grow into a top player in Philadelphia during his prime years.
More to come as the day continues to unfold.
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