NHLPA Advocates for Ryan Johansen in Contract Termination Dispute

Flyers Cite “Material Breach” as Reason for Contract Termination

The Flyers made a move to put Johansen on unconditional waivers in August, pointing to an alleged “material breach” of his contract as justification. Johansen was set to receive $8 million for the 2024-25 season, with the salary split between the Flyers and the Nashville Predators. The Predators had committed to retaining $4 million when they traded Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche in 2023.

Trade to Flyers and Waivers Placement

In a deal that shipped off defenseman Sean Walker to the Avalanche, the Flyers acquired 32-year-old Johansen in March. They swiftly moved to place him on waivers, aiming to demote him to the American Hockey League. However, Johansen revealed a hip injury, subsequently confirmed by team doctors, which halted the demotion process.

Flyers’ Management and Johansen’s Injury

Daniel Briere, the Flyers’ general manager, expressed surprise over the injury. He noted that Johansen had participated in 63 games for the Avalanche, even playing a game just two days before the trade.

In a statement following the contract termination, Johansen’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, said, “Ryan Johansen has a serious hockey injury that needs extensive surgery scheduled soon. Since his trade to the Philadelphia Flyers, Ryan has collaborated in good faith with the Club, its medical team, and approved third-party physicians. The Flyers’ decision to end Ryan’s contract is regrettable.”

Uncertainty Surrounds Johansen’s Contract Status

Before training camp, Briere indicated he was awaiting a response from Johansen and his representatives concerning the grievance over the contract termination. Johansen had a 60-day window to lodge this grievance from his contract termination date. Briere stated, “As far as my understanding goes, the contract is terminated at this point.”

Resolution and Arbitration

If the NHL and NHLPA fail to reach a mutual resolution regarding the grievance, the collective bargaining agreement allows Johansen to present the case to an impartial arbitrator. Johansen, a player with 13 seasons under his belt in the NHL, has represented the Columbus Blue Jackets, Predators, and Avalanche. He boasts 578 points in 905 career games, having been selected fourth in the 2010 NHL draft by Columbus.