Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar has expressed his openness to signing a contract extension with the team this offseason. The 28-year-old goalie is entering the final year of his current contract, which carries a $3.35 million cap hit. Sources indicate that the Flyers would consider an extension if the financial terms are agreeable.
Recent comparable contract deals for goaltenders include Thatcher Demko (3 years, $8.5 million AAV), Lukas Dostal (5 years, $6.5 million AAV), Filip Gustavsson (5 years, $6.8 million AAV), and Anthony Stolarz (4 years, $3.75 million AAV). Filip Gustavsson’s age and recent performance might serve as the most relevant benchmark.
While the Flyers might be amenable to a five-year term, they would likely be looking for a cap hit below $6 million, as opposed to Gustavsson’s $6.8 million. Should Vladar seek a higher cap hit closer to $7 million, a shorter, three-year deal might be a more realistic possibility.
Regarding potential goaltending acquisitions, the Flyers’ direction with Samuel Ersson remains uncertain. If they opt to pursue an external option, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll could be a target. Woll played 39 games last season with a .899 save percentage and has two years remaining on his contract at a $3.66 million cap hit.
Five Potential Landing Spots for Auston Matthews
The future of Auston Matthews with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains a subject of speculation, as general manager Brad Treliving and Matthews have not yet held formal discussions about his contract. With two years left on his current deal, a trade remains a possibility, and several teams could be attractive destinations for the star center.
- San Jose Sharks: The Sharks possess the assets necessary to outbid other teams, as the Maple Leafs are in need of draft picks and young centers. Their draft capital, including the No. 2 pick in 2026 and recent first-round selection Michael Misa, could form a compelling package. Pairing Macklin Celebrini with Matthews would create a formidable forward duo.
- Los Angeles Kings: Following the likely retirement of Anze Kopitar, the Kings have a significant need for a top-tier center. Trade discussions could potentially involve prospects like Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke.
- Philadelphia Flyers: Few teams are in greater need of a top-line center than the Flyers. Prospects such as Matvei Michkov could pique the Maple Leafs’ interest. Additionally, the Flyers hold the Maple Leafs’ first-round pick in either 2027 or 2028, presenting a valuable trade chip.
- Utah Mammoth: The newly established Utah franchise has several promising trade assets, including Barrett Hayton, Caleb Desnoyers, Tij Iginla, and Cole Beaudoin. Furthermore, Clayton Keller shares a friendship with Matthews and his contract situation could align with a potential acquisition.
- Minnesota Wild: The Wild are actively seeking to bolster their center depth and would likely be aggressive in pursuing a player like Matthews. They have young centers like Charlie Stramel and Danila Yurov, as well as future first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028.
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Dan Vladar Extension Eligibility and Potential Auston Matthews Landing Spots
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar has stated that he is open to signing a contract extension with the team this offseason. The 28-year-old has one year remaining on his current contract, with a cap hit of $3.35 million. If the financial terms are suitable, a source indicates that the Flyers would be open to an extension.
Recent comparable contracts for goaltenders include Thatcher Demko (three years at an $8.5 million cap hit), Lukas Dostal (five years at a $6.5 million cap hit), Filip Gustavsson (five years at $6.8 million), and Anthony Stolarz (four years at $3.75 million). Gustavsson’s age and recent performance may be the most appropriate comparison.
Sources suggest that the Flyers might be amenable to a five-year term, but not at Gustavsson’s $6.8 million AAV. They would likely target a cap hit under $6 million. If Vladar is seeking a higher cap hit around $7 million, it would probably need to be for a shorter, three-year term.
There is uncertainty regarding the Flyers’ goaltending plans with Samuel Ersson. Should the Flyers look to acquire another goaltender, Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll could be a potential target. Woll played 39 games last season with a .899 save percentage and has two years remaining on his contract at a $3.66 million cap hit.
Five Potential Landing Spots for Auston Matthews
The future of Auston Matthews with the Toronto Maple Leafs is currently unknown, as GM Brad Treliving and Matthews have not yet met to discuss his contract. He has two years remaining on his deal, and it is possible he will ultimately stay. However, speculation is ongoing. Here are five teams that could make sense as trade destinations for Auston Matthews.
- San Jose Sharks: They possess the assets to outbid other teams, as the Leafs need draft picks and young centers. They have the No. 2 pick in 2026 and drafted Michael Misa with their first-round pick last year. This would give the Sharks a one-two punch of Macklin Celebrini and Matthews.
- Los Angeles Kings: They have a need for a No. 1 center after Anze Kopitar’s potential retirement. Conversations would likely start with Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke.
- Philadelphia Flyers: No team needs a top-line center more than the Flyers. Matvei Michkov might capture GM Treliving’s attention. The Flyers own the Maple Leafs’ first-round pick in either 2027 or 2028. The question is how highly the Leafs value Michkov and their own first-round selection.
- Utah Mammoth: They have trade assets such as Barrett Hayton, Caleb Desnoyers, Tij Iginla, and Cole Beaudoin. Clayton Keller is similar to Mitch Marner, and Matthews and Keller are friends.
- Minnesota Wild: The Wild need a center and will be aggressive in their pursuit. They have young centers like Charlie Stramel and Danila Yurov, along with their 2027 and 2028 first-round picks.
