Samuel Ersson is expected to start in goal for the Flyers on opening night, October 9, 2025, against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena.
As the team’s incumbent starter and a homegrown prospect, Ersson enters his third full NHL season with strong organizational backing, including a history of solid play against the Panthers (3-0-1 record, .924 save percentage, 1.96 GAA in four career games). T
The Flyers signed Dan Vladar in July 2025 to form a tandem and reduce Ersson’s workload after his injury-plagued 2024-25 season, but General Manager Danny Briere and Head Coach Rick Tocchet have indicated Ersson as the early favorite based on preseason form and long-term potential. Of course, the active roster lists both Ersson and Vladar as the Goaltenders, with Vladar likely to start the second game on October 11 against the Carolina Hurricanes for a potential early split. Pre-season results were mixed for Ersson (fine but allowing four goals on 23 shots in one outing) and positive for Vladar (strong in a 3-2 OT win), but the coaching staff prioritizes Ersson leading the team out.
Why are the Flyers high on Ersson?
- Proven Performance: Ersson, a 25-year-old Swedish goaltender, has shown he can handle NHL workloads. In the 2024-25 season, he played 51 games, posting a 23-19-7 record with a 2.82 GAA and .890 save percentage, despite battling injuries. His career stats against strong opponents like the Florida Panthers (3-0-1, .924 save percentage, 1.96 GAA) demonstrate his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
- Homegrown Talent: Drafted by the Flyers in the fifth round (143rd overall) in 2018, Ersson is a product of their development system. His progression from the SHL (Swedish Hockey League) to the AHL and NHL showcases his adaptability and growth, earning trust from the organization.
- Youth and Upside: At 25, Ersson is entering his prime with significant room for improvement. His two-year, $2.9 million contract (signed in 2024) reflects the Flyers’ confidence in him as a cornerstone of their rebuild. GM Danny Briere and coach Rick Tocchet see him as a long-term solution in net.
- Work Ethic and Resilience: Despite injury setbacks last season, Ersson’s ability to step up as the starter after Carter Hart’s departure showed his mental toughness. His 49 starts in 2024-25, a career high, proved he can handle a heavy workload when healthy.
- Tandem Strategy: The addition of Dan Vladar in July 2025 allows the Flyers to manage Ersson’s minutes carefully, keeping him fresh and reducing injury risks. This tandem approach signals the team’s intent to protect and develop Ersson as their primary goaltender.
While his Pre-Season performance was uneven (e.g., four goals allowed on 23 shots in one game), the Flyers’ coaching staff and management view Ersson’s skill set, youth, and prior success as reasons to back him as the opening night starter on October 9, 2025, against Florida.
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