The Calgary Flames hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday night, with the game representing the final visit for the Flyers to the ‘Dome before the Flames move to Scotia Place in 2027-28.

The game was also a homecoming of sorts for Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar. Originally acquired in a trade from the Boston Bruins during the 2021 off-season – with a third-round pick going to Boston – Vladar made exactly 100 appearances for Calgary between 2021-22 and 2024-25. He served as backup to Jacob Markstrom for there seasons and to Dustin Wolf for one.

Looking for a bigger role, he signed with the Flyers as a free agent on July 1, 2025.

In 2025-26, both Flames/Flyers clashes were the second half of back-to-back sets for the Flyers. Vladar, having established himself as the Flyers’ starter early in the season, played the first game of each back to back and dressed as backup in both meetings with Calgary. After initially joining Philadelphia on a two year deal, Vladar signed a five year extension on July 1, 2026 that will keep him with the Flyers through the 2031-32 season.

495 days after joining the Flyers, Vladar finally played his first-ever game against the Flames – the only NHL club he hadn’t yet played in his NHL career – made his final appearance at the Saddledome. He made 22 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Flames.

“Obviously a guy like that coming back to where he used to play and how much it means to him, it sucks we couldn’t get him a win,” said Flyers forward Owen Tippett following the game.

While the Flyers have had their struggles this season, Vladar has provided quality netminding since his arrival.

“Yeah, he really took over, I think, last year,” said Flyers forward Sean Couturier, prior to Sunday’s game. “On and off the ice, I think he’s now become an older guy around. He’s using his experience, his voice to kind of have a leadership role in the room. So, like you said, not only on the ice that he’s really stepped up, but in the room I think he’s been a great leader for us.”

Before Sunday’s game, Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet praised Vladar’s mentality as part of how he became such a key part of the team.

“Well, I think obviously he can stop the puck,” said Tocchet. “He’s a great goalie, but I think for his character, he’s unreal. Like, he’s a crest guy. He thinks about the team first, not about himself, and that’s infectious when it’s in the room.”

After grinding early in his career with the Bruins and Flames, and emerging as one of the more effective backups in Flames history, Vladar has found himself a long-term home in Philadelphia.