Flyers activate Dan Vladar off injured reserve

Vladar is expected to make his return to the net on Wednesday night when the Flyers visit the Columbus Blue Jackets. It will be the Czech backstop’s first appearance in six games since suffering a lower-body injury in a game against the Buffalo Sabres two weeks ago.

The Flyers are certainly going to be welcoming Vladar back with open arms, as the team hasn’t been above par in his absence. With Samuel Ersson making every start since Vladar was hurt. Philadelphia went 2-3-1 over that span, allowing four or more goals four times, including getting shutout, 4-0, by the New York Islanders on Monday night.

Vladar’s play has been one of the key reasons the Flyers have been in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Even though an upper-body injury led to missing a little time last month, he has made 28 starts, posting a record of 16-7-4, with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage.

The 28-year-old came to the City of Brotherly Love this past summer, signing a two-year contract with the Flyers, with the deal carrying a $3.35 million AAV through the 2026-27 season. It comes after spending the previous four seasons with the Calgary Flames, serving as a backup to Jacob Markstrom for three years, before sitting back as the No. 2 behind star rookie Dustin Wolf this past season.

The Flyers (24-18-9) are fourth in the Metropolitan Division, four points back of the Islanders for third.