Ryan Johansen’s NHL future in limbo after contract dispute ruling in Philadelphia

In September 2024, the National Hockey League Players’ Association announced it officially filed a grievance over the Philadelphia Flyers’ decision to terminate Ryan Johansen ’s contract. It was in late August that the Flyers terminated the veteran forward’s deal for what the team called a “material breach” of contract.

When the contract termination was announced by Philadelphia, Johansen’s agent Kurt Overhardt, released a statement disputing the Flyers’ characterization, speaking of his client’s injury.

“Ryan Johansen has a severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery which has been scheduled,” Overhardt said in the statement. “Since being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers , Ryan has worked in good faith with the club, its medical staff and authorized third-party physicians. The Flyers’ intent to terminate Ryan’s contract is disappointing.”

In April 2024, general manager Daniel Briere had said the Flyers were unsure if Johansen would ever be medically cleared to play for the organization. Things got worse when the veteran forward reportedly found out about his deal being terminated a few hours after his wedding where he managed to dance with his new wife, Abbey Gray, putting in doubt the legitimacy of his injury.

On Tuesday, an arbitrator ruled in favour of the Flyers in a grievance filed by the NHLPA following the termination of Johansen’s contract in August, 2024, per Darren Dreger.

This is great news for the Flyers, who could have been dinged for the full $4 million cap hit this season had they lost. The Nashville Predators also benefit, by the way, considering they had 50% retention.

The Flyers acquired Johansen and a first-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche this past season in a deadline transaction that sent Sean Walker to Denver. Johansen had one year left on his contract at a salary of $8 million, but the Nashville Predators owed him half that sum as they retained 50% of his contract when they dealt him to the Avs.

Now it is official, Johansen’s deal is terminated and he is technically a free agent. He did not play during the 2024-25 season as he was recovering from hip surgery.