The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Tuesday that they are placing veteran forward Ryan Johansen on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.
The Flyers said in a statement that Johansen’s contract is being terminated for “material breach” and added that they won’t make any further comments. Johansen had one year left on his contract and was scheduled to make $8 million in the 2024-25 NHL season. He would have counted $4 million on the Flyers’ salary cap.
Johansen’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, later shared a statement of his own on social media, stating that his client is scheduled to have “extensive surgery” for a serious hockey injury. He added that the Flyers’ decision is “disappointing” and that he is in contact with the NHL Players Association to defend Johansen’s rights.
Ryan Johansen started the 2023-24 season with the Colorado Avalanche, playing in 63 games and contributing with 23 points (13 goals and 10 assists). He was traded to the Flyers in March but never suited up for the franchise due to a hip injury.
Johansen previously also played with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators. He has 202 goals and 376 assists in 905 career NHL games. His only All-Star nod came in 2015 when he won the NHL All-Star Game MVP honors.
