Flyers Terminate Ryan Johansen’s Contract; Controversy Follows

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Tuesday morning that they have placed forward Ryan Johansen, acquired in an NHL trade deadline deal with the Colorado Avalanche, on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination due to a “material breach.”

The Flyers issued the following statement on their social media channels:

“The Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Ryan Johansen on unconditional waivers today for the purpose of terminating his contract due to a material breach. The Flyers will have no further comment at this time.”

Johansen, 32, was acquired by the Flyers from Colorado on March 6 alongside a 2025 first-round pick in exchange for Sean Walker and a 2026 fifth-round pick, but was immediately placed on waivers to be assigned to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Johansen presented with an injury and thus was unable to clear waivers, forcing him to stay on the Flyers’ NHL roster. The former Nashville Predators and Columbus Blue Jackets forward played in a game only two days prior to the trade, raising questions about where his health was really at.

A little more information: Johansen is expected to grieve this termination; Flyers aren’t commenting, but have made it clear they will present their case if asked to do.

So, while the contract may be terminated tomorrow, there is going to be a bit of a process here https://t.co/QI298o3DUX

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 20, 2024

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared shortly after the news of Johansen’s contract termination that the veteran center is “expected to grieve this termination,” and that the Flyers will “present their case if asked,”. Johansen has 60 days to file his grievance.

Flyers general manager Danny Briere told Philly Hockey Now at the end of June, “As far as I know, (Johansen is) doing stuff that isn’t too invasive to see if it can rectify his issues. I think he’s coming in here next week to meet with our doctors and trainers, so we’re hoping to get a little more clarification on the rest of the summer and leading into camp and the season next year.”

Based on Tuesday’s outcome, it would appear on the surface that the Flyers and Johansen are at a standstill regarding his health, and Johansen is possibly neglecting to undergo surgery as to avoid playing for the Flyers.

Johansen has one year remaining on his contract at an $8 million cap hit, though the Flyers are on the hook for only $4 million.