Ryan Johansen's agent Kurt Overhardt releases statement after Flyers terminate client's $64M contract

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 21, 2024 04:47 GMT

Ryan Johansen's agent Kurt Overhardt has reacted to the Philadelphia Flyers' decision to terminate Johansen's contract. The Flyers cited a "material breach" as the reason.

Johansen was acquired by the Flyers from the Colorado Avalanche on March 6 but never saw action with the team due to a serious hip injury. In his statement, Overhardt said that Johansen will undergo major surgery, which is set to happen.

Overhardt also criticized the Flyers for their handling of the situation. He stressed that Johansen worked fully with the team's medical staff and external doctors. He's disappointed with the contract termination and points out Johansen's efforts to cooperate with the Flyers.

The statement reads:

"Ryan Johansen has a severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery which has been scheduled. 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' attempt to terminate Ryan's contract is disappointing. We have been in contact with the NHLPA and will defend Ryan and protect his rights."

The NHL Players' Association is now involved. They are reviewing the situation and will support Johansen if he files a grievance. Johansen has 60 days to challenge the termination, and a settlement between him and the Flyers is possible.

Flyers general manager Danny Briere said the team was surprised by Johansen’s injury.

“He claimed to be injured when we traded for him, so we had him see the doctors,” Danny Briere said via (Philly Hockey Now on March 17, 2024).

“They found an injury, so now he’s going to be rehabbing. You can’t send down a player who’s injured, so he’s going to be doing rehab until … we don’t know when."

Johansen’s injury was so severe that it prevented his move to the Flyers' AHL team. His contract has one year remaining, with an $8 million cap hit. The Nashville Predators agreed to retain a part of his salary when Johansen was traded.

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Top three teams that could sign Ryan Johansen

Ryan Johansen is a free agent with one year left on his $64 million contract. He never played for the Flyers after being traded.

Three teams that might consider signing him are:

1. Chicago Blackhawks: They are rebuilding and have young center Connor Bedard. Johansen could provide veteran support.
2. San Jose Sharks: Also in a rebuild, the Sharks might add Johansen for depth on a low-cost deal.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Johansen’s old team might bring him back to boost their center depth and top-six forward spots.

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