Dan Vladar is making waves in Philadelphia. The Flyers’ netminder has been recognised as team MVP and is drawing attention from hockey royalty as the playoffs approach.
Vladar Named Flyers MVP
Dan Vladar was announced as the Bobby Clarke Trophy winner, named Philadelphia Flyers team MVP for the 2025-26 season. The local media voted for the award. Vladar also received the Yannick Dupre class guy award. This award, selected by the local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, recognises the Flyers player “who best illustrates character, dignity and respect both on and off the ice.”
Vladar said he felt welcomed from day one. He added that he felt like he could be himself both on and off the ice. Vladar signed a two-year, $6.7 million contract on July 1.
Playoff Berth Secured
Vladar’s netminding is a key reason the Flyers are preparing for a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He started each of the Flyers’ final six meaningful games in just an 11-day span. Vladar went 5-1-0 with a .921 save percentage and 1.81 goals-against average.
His best hockey came at the most crucial time, helping the Flyers earn a playoff berth. It was arguably the NHL’s most unlikely playoff berth.
Recognition from Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky mentioned Vladar as a potential long-shot consideration for the Hart Trophy as league MVP. Gretzky said, “My real dark horse is the goaltender in Philadelphia. Look at the year he had. Look where they are in the playoffs. He’s been outstanding.”
Focus on the Penguins
Vladar could conceivably be one of the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie in the league. Among goalies that played at least 40 games, Vladar’s 2.42 goals-against average was third in the NHL, and his .906 save percentage was ninth.
When asked about the speculation around the awards, Vladar said that Game No. 1 against the Penguins is on his radar.
The Flyers are preparing to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.