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 ruling upholds the Flyers’ decision to cut ties with the veteran center.
Philadelphia acquired Johansen from the Colorado Avalanche at the 2024 trade deadline. He never suited up for the Flyers.
The organization cited a material breach as the cause for terminating his deal. The contract had one year and $8 million remaining. Half of that salary was still being covered by the Nashville Predators, who traded him to Colorado.
The NHLPA publicly questioned the Flyers’ move at the time. The union said the decision raised “significant concerns.”
Johansen’s agency noted after his release that he was dealing with a major injury requiring extensive surgery.
Flyers general manager Daniel Briere admitted he wasn’t sure if Johansen would be able to play for the organization after acquiring him. The admission came during the trade deadline period.
Johansen didn’t play during the 2024-25 season.
The 31-year-old center was a fourth overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010. He amassed 578 points in 905 career games across stints with Columbus, Nashville, Colorado and his brief time with Philadelphia’s organization.
The arbitrator’s decision means the Flyers won’t face any penalties for the contract termination. It also clears the way for the organization to move forward without any lingering salary cap implications from the Johansen situation.
