Dan Vladar, a former goaltender for the Calgary Flames, has made a notable ascent in the hockey world, securing the No. 8 spot on NHL Network's highly anticipated ranking of the league's top goaltenders for the upcoming 2026-27 season. This recognition follows a standout performance with the Philadelphia Flyers, where Vladar has emerged as a top-tier talent.
Vladar's journey to this accolade has been impressive. After being drafted by the Boston Bruins and later playing a backup role in Calgary alongside Jacob Markström and Dustin Wolf, Vladar signed a two-year deal with the Flyers in July 2025. He quickly established himself as the team's primary goaltender, posting a 29-14-7 record in 52 games and playing a crucial role in their playoff push. Despite not recording any shutouts, he achieved personal bests with a.906 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average, even featuring in all 10 playoff games for the Flyers. His efforts garnered significant attention, leading to a five-year contract extension with Philadelphia at $5.5 million annually.
The NHL Network's ranking places Vladar just ahead of emerging talents like Jesper Wallstedt and Jakub Dobes, and just behind established stars such as Jake Oettinger. This placement solidifies Vladar's status as one of the league's premier goaltenders, a testament to his dedication and skill evolution. His career regular season statistics over six years in the NHL include a 78-48-23 record, a.898 save percentage, and a 2.80 goals-against average. His inclusion on this prestigious list highlights a significant achievement for the Prague native and provides a compelling narrative for hockey fans across Canada.
