The Philadelphia Flyers placed forward Ryan Johansen on unconditional waivers Tuesday to terminate his contract. The team said the decision was due to a “material breach.”
Johansen, 32, was traded to the Flyers from the Colorado Avalanche on March 6, but never played a game for the team after reporting an injury.
Johansen’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, released a statement following the Flyers’ decision, saying the 11-year NHL veteran’s injury is “serious” and requires “extensive surgery.”
Ryan Johansen has suffered a serious hockey injury that will require extensive surgery.
Since his transfer to the Philadelphia Flyers, Ryan has cooperated in good faith with the club, its medical staff and authorized outside physicians.
The Flyers’ attempt to terminate Ryan’s contract is disappointing.
We have contacted the NHLPA and will defend Ryan and protect his rights.
Johansen has 60 days to file a complaint with the NHLPA, and he is expected to do so.
“The actions of the Philadelphia Flyers raise serious concerns and we are currently reviewing the matter,” the NHLPA said in a statement.
The end result would most likely be a negotiated settlement between both parties.
Flyers didn’t expect Johansen to return from injury
Two weeks after the deal, Flyers general manager Danny Briere told Philly Hockey Now that Johansen was continuing his rehabilitation from the injury and that the news came as a surprise to the team since he had played a game with the Avalanche two days before the deal.
The Flyers released Johansen after the trade and, after he went unclaimed, they looked to demote him to their AHL affiliate in the Lehigh Valley, but a reported hip injury prevented the move.
During his end-of-season press conference in April, Briere said the team did not expect Johansen to return and that Johansen did not think he would ever play again.
According to Puck Pedia, Johansen has one year left on his current contract, which carries an $8 million salary cap hit. His 2024-25 salary is a similar amount that will be split between the Flyers and the Nashville Predators, who agreed to retain 50% after trading him to the Avalanche in June 2023.
