Report: Arbitrator sides with Flyers over Johansen's contract termination
An arbitrator ruled in favor of the Philadelphia Flyers after the NHLPA filed a grievance over the club's termination of Ryan Johansen's contract last August, sources told TSN's Darren Dreger.
The Flyers acquired Johansen from the Colorado Avalanche at the 2024 trade deadline, but he never suited up for Philadelphia. The Flyers cited a material breach as the cause for terminating his deal, which had one year and $8 million remaining. Half of that salary was still being covered by the Nashville Predators, who traded him to the Avalanche.
The NHLPA publicly questioned the Flyers' move at the time, saying the decision raised "significant concerns." Johansen's agency also noted after his release that he was dealing with a major injury that required extensive surgery.
Flyers general manager Daniel Briere admitted he was unsure if Johansen would be able to play for the organization after acquiring him.
Johansen didn't play the 2024-25 season. A fourth overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010, Johansen amassed 578 points in 905 career games.