Arbitrator rules in favour of Flyers in grievance filed on termination of Ryan Johansen’s contract

This is set to end a process that began a year ago when the Flyers had terminated the final year of Johansen’s eight-year contract with an $8 million cap hit. Philadelphia was only on the hook for $4 million of that contract, as the Nashville Predators had retained the other half of it when they dealt him to the Colorado Avalanche during the 2023 offseason, but after a “material breach”, the Flyers opted to terminate it.

Then in September 2024, the NHLPA filed a grievance on behalf of Johansen over the decision to terminate the contract.

Johansen didn’t play a game for the Flyers after he was acquired at the 2024 trade deadline due to a hip injury. Philadelphia wanted to waive him after acquiring him, but couldn’t because of the injury.

Johansen’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, released the following statement at the time of the termination of the contract, stating his displeasure about the Flyers’ decision.

“Ryan Johansen has a severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery which has been scheduled,” said Overhardt. “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.”

At this point in time, both the Flyers and Predators still have the cap space free to take on Johansen’s cap hit if needed. Nashville has about $9.3 million in cap space, while Philadelphia will have around $6.5 million between the roughly $370,000 in cap space now and Ryan Ellis’ contract that will go on LTIR at the start of the season.

According to Dreger, Johansen is currently rehabbing the hip injury post-surgery. He’s been a free agent since the termination, having not signed with a team in 2024-25.

Johansen had 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points in 63 games in the 2023-24 season, all coming with the Avalanche.