> At a Glance
> – The NHL will pause from Feb. 6-24 for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
> – Four Philadelphia Flyers-Sanheim, Ristolainen, Abols, Vladar-made national rosters
> – Goalie Dan Vladar (15-6-3, 2.39 GAA) will backstop Team Czechia
> > Why it matters: A 19-day mid-season break reshapes playoff races and showcases league talent on the world stage.
Philadelphia will be well-represented when the puck drops in Milan, as the league’s Olympic shutdown gives Flyers fans an international subplot to follow.
The Quartet Heading to Italy
Travis Sanheim will wear the maple leaf for Team Canada, while Rasmus Ristolainen joins Team Finland. Rodrigo Abols was already penciled into Team Latvia and Dan Vladar earned the starting nod for Team Czechia after Tuesday’s roster release.
- Sanheim and Ristolainen were named last week
- Abols secured his spot earlier
- Vladar’s inclusion completes the Flyers’ foursome
Vladar’s Career Year in Net
Signed last summer, the 28-year-old has become the club’s undisputed No. 1. His 15 victories are already a personal best, supported by a .910 save percentage and 2.39 goals-against average across 24 starts.
Key Takeaways
- NHL games resume Feb. 25 after the Olympic tournament
- Flyers will have nearly three weeks to rest and reset
- Four players gain high-pressure, high-profile ice time
The break could prove pivotal for Philadelphia’s postseason push when play resumes.
