Ryan Johansen's agency vows to fight his contract termination by the Philadelphia Flyers

It sounds like the Philadelphia Flyers have a battle on their hands in their attempt to get rid of Ryan Johansen. The Flyers placed Johansen on unconditional waivers earlier today claiming there was a breach of contract. Johansen's agent is vowing to fight the contract termination.

Flyers GM Daniel Briere has not said exactly what led to the decision to ditch the final year of Ryan Johansen's contract. Johansen was brought to the Flyers in a trade that sent Sean Walker to the Colorado Avalanche at the 2023-24 NHL trade deadline. Johansen was immediately placed on waivers, cleared, and was sent to the AHL. However, an existing injury discovered during the trade meant that Johansen could not be moved, and spent the rest of the season on long-term injured reserve.

With the Flyers announcement that Johansen was going on unconditional waivers came the expectation from many analysts that Johansen would file a grievance with his union, the NHLPA. His agent, Kurt Overhardt, has confirmed that, releasing a statement through KO Sports. In it, Overhardt stated Johansen has a severe injury and requires surgery, which has been scheduled. Overhardt calls Philadelphia's actions disappointing, adding the NHLPA has already been contacted in his client's behalf.

The whole trade process involving Johansen was somewhat odd as the injury seemed to come out of nowhere, and no one will say exactly what it is. There is plenty of speculation that Johansen, 32, will never play an NHL game again, but that has never been confirmed by his camp. Johansen was selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2014, and played eight seasons with the Nashville Predators in addition to his time with the Blue jackets and Avalanche.