Will the Philadelphia Flyers Dan Vladar inspire them to look to Czechia for a goalie?
The Philadelphia Flyers are at a crossroads in their offseason strategy, with the team likely to keep their forward core largely intact despite uncertainty around key bottom-six players like Gravenkin and Glenn Denning. Hosts Rachel Donner and Russ Cohen debate whether the Flyers should overpay for a low-end free agent or let their current group 'cook' while supplementing next year. The real focus, however, shifts to goaltending: after failing to draft a goalie last year, the Flyers now face a pivotal decision. They’re considering two elite Czech goaltenders—Tobias Treball and Michael Orselak—both 6'4" and highly rated, with Orselak standing out for his physical presence, mental toughness, and playoff experience. The hosts argue that drafting one of them would not only strengthen the system but also leverage the mentorship of Dan Vladar, who has become a gold standard for Czech goalies. With a second-round pick potentially available, they urge the Flyers to act decisively, warning that waiting could mean missing out on a franchise-shaping prospect. The episode underscores a deeper philosophy: the Flyers need diversity in goaltending styles and national backgrounds, not just another copycat of Vladar. The hosts emphasize that confidence, mental resilience, and developmental paths—like playing college hockey or high-pressure junior playoffs—are just as critical as raw size or stats.
The Flyers should draft a goaltender in the second or third round to address a critical gap in their prospect pool.
Michael Orselak’s 2.22 GAA in the WHL after a 3.23 GAA in Czechia’s U20 league signals a major breakout year driven by confidence and development.
Tobias Treball’s elite mental game and college hockey path at UMass give him a developmental edge over current Flyers goalie prospects.
Dan Vladar’s presence in the system creates a powerful mentorship opportunity for young Czech goalies like Treball and Orselak.
The Flyers need goaltending diversity—different styles, nationalities, and developmental backgrounds—not just another version of Vladar.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to Locked On Flyers: The 2026 Offseason Outlook
Introduction to the podcast and the central theme: the Flyers' strategic choices this offseason, particularly whether they'll make a move on the forward side or focus on goaltending in the draft.
Forward Depth: Keeping the Current Core
Discussion on the likelihood of minimal changes to the Flyers' forward lines, with emphasis on the uncertain status of Gravenkin and the potential role of players like Glenn Denning and Garnet Hathaway.
The Bottom Six Puzzle: Health, Chemistry, and Cap Space
Analysis of the uncertainty around bottom-six forwards, the importance of chemistry on the fourth line, and the role of cap space in retaining or replacing players.
The Case for a Bottom-Six Add-On
Debate over whether the Flyers should add a low-end free agent or let current players develop, with emphasis on injury risk and the need for depth.
The Missing Piece: Why Goaltending Is the Priority
Shift to the core issue: the Flyers’ failure to draft a goalie last year and the growing urgency to fix that gap in their prospect pool.
“Yeah, I almost think like ye that you sacrifice the Kings third round pick from next year in order to move up to get one of these guys.”
“And the biggest admission he made to me was the year before, he wasn't very good. And he said that he gained a lot of confidence. And once he got that confidence, he kind of ran with it.”
“I wrote something for Hockey Hot Stove where Trayvall told me that right now there's more goaltending coaches in their schools over in Czech. So that's a big deal.”
Hosts
flyers
other
michael orselak
person
tobias treball
person
dan vladar
person
gravenkin
person
russ cohen
person
glenn denning
person
rachel donner
person
garnet hathaway
person
danny briere
person
The Philadelphia Flyers Quest for a Top Defenseman & How to Increase Scoring
32m • 6/1/2026
Russ’s Final Draft Rankings & The Philadelphia Flyers options in the NHL Draft First Round
33m • 6/10/2026
Evaluating the BIG UP SIDE for the Philadelphia Flyers as a 3rd Party in a big NHL Trade
30m • 6/15/2026
Will the Philadelphia Flyers trade for Dylan Larkin? Plus potential first round picks the Flyers might consider!
30m • 6/9/2026
The Philadelphia Flyers COULD make a big move this offseason but SHOULD they?
32m • 6/3/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime

