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On the first day of 2026 free agency season, the Philadelphia Flyers started out by taking care of internal business. Dan Vladar officially signed a five-year contract extension. The new deal, which kicks in for the 2027-28 season, carries a $5.5 million average average value (cap hit).
Meanwhile, the Flyers also proactively signed Tyson Foerster to an eight-year extension. Starting in 2027-28, the deal carries at $7.1 million AAV. The main thing with Foerster is the health of his shoulder. He missed four months this season with a shoulder injury. He also had a shoulder issue a few years earlier. Last spring, he had a biceps injury and infection. When healthy, he’s become a very effective all-around player for the Flyers.
Flyers add Acciari for NHL, Klimovich for depth
In the opening hours of free agency, the Flyers signed 34-year-old veteran center/winger Noel Acciari to a two-year ($2.8 million AAV) contract. Last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the physical checking forward also chipped in 25 points (13g, 12a) in 67 games. He dressed in all six games of Pittsburgh’s playoff series against the Flyers. Acciari’s best offensive season came as a member of the Florida Panthers in 2019-20 (20 goals in 66 games). Primarily, however, he’s a “grind guy” and checker. He replaces Garnet Hathaway’s role.
Meanwhile, the Flyers made a depth signing. They signed 23-year-old Belarusian winger Danila Klimovich to a one-year contract. The Vancouver 2021 second-round pick (41st overall) spent his entire pro career to date in the American Hockey League with the Abbotsford Canucks. In 2024-25, he posted 25 regular season goals on the way to winning the Calder Cup championship.
Flyers sign Aston-Reese to two-year contract
Philly also added another veteran depth piece after announcing the initial signings. The team signed 31-year-old veteran checking/ defensive winger Zach Aston-Reese to a two-year contract. Year one is a one-way contract for $850,000. The second year is a two-way arrangement for $900,000 at the NHL level and $700,000 in the American Hockey League.
Aston-Reese is a bottom-six depth piece and proven penalty killer. He spent the past two seasons in the Columbus Blue Jackets with the NHL team and the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. The former Penguins forward also made career stops with the Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings.
With the signings of Acciari, Aston-Reese and the one-year extension to Carl Grundstrom, it’s unlikely Philly will re-sign Luke Glendening.
Two additional depth signings: Studnicka and Dineen
The Flyers completed the first day of free agency with two more depth signings: 27-year-old NHL/AHL center Jack Studnicka and 28-year-old AHL defenseman Cam Dineen. Former Bruins second round pick (2017) Studnicka is a productive AHL scorer and NHL recall candidate. The smallish Dineen has been a fine AHL puck mover who also contributes some offense from the back end.
End of Day One: Where Things Stand
Flyers general manager Danny Briere held a late-day press conference. Predictably, he talked up the Foerster and Vladar extensions. He said they were still having other discussions — reportedly concerning Claude Giroux and John Carlson — but minimized feeling the need to push for a splashy move at any cost.
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