The Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Ryan Johansen on waivers with the intention of terminating his contract due to a “material breach,” the team announced on Tuesday.
Johansen, 32, had one season remaining on his contract, carrying an $8-million salary. In response to the Flyers’ action, Johansen’s representatives issued a statement indicating that the player is dealing with a “severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery” and noted that they are in communication with the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA). Johansen has a 60-day window to file a grievance.
The NHLPA has expressed concern over the Flyers’ decision, with a spokesperson stating, “the Philadelphia Flyers’ actions raise significant concerns,” adding that the situation is currently under review, as reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Johansen was acquired by the Flyers from the Colorado Avalanche last season in a trade that involved defenseman Sean Walker and a first-round pick. Since the trade, Johansen has not played a game for Philadelphia.
Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere previously commented on Johansen’s status in April, saying, “All I can tell you is I don’t expect him to be back,” according to Philly Hockey Now’s Jon Bailey. Briere added, “I don’t know exactly the situation. We’re dealing on the medical side with him. … He doesn’t think he can play hockey. I wish I had a better answer for you. We need to get him better to figure out if there’s even a remote chance of him dressing for the organization.”
If the contract termination goes through, Philadelphia will clear Johansen’s $4-million cap hit. The Nashville Predators retained 50% of Johansen’s $8-million cap hit as part of the trade that sent him to Colorado last summer.
In the previous season, Johansen recorded 13 goals and 23 points in 63 games with Colorado.
