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Ryan Johansen landing spots: 3 teams that could end up claiming Flyers' $64M star
The Philadelphia Flyers announced that forward Ryan Johansen has been placed on waivers to terminate his contract. The Flyers stated that the move corresponds to a “material breach,” warranting his contract’s termination.
Johansen never played for the Flyers following a trade deadline deal. He has one season remaining in the eight-year, $64 million contract signed in 2017 with the Nashville Predators.
With Johansen now set to become an unrestricted free agent, any NHL club could sign him. Here's a look at three teams that could take a chance on Ryan Johansen joining their ranks.
3 potential landing spots for Ryan Johansen
#3. Columbus Blue Jackets
Johansen was originally drafted by the Blue Jackets, fourth overall, in 2010. As such, a return to Columbus could potentially work out for both sides.
For Columbus, the team needs to boost its center depth, with young stars Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli looking to get more experience and confidence.
Moreover, now that the Blue Jackets have traded Patrik Laine, the club could use a top-six forward. While Johansen doesn’t project as one, he could play a role on the Blue Jackets top six; meanwhile, top prospect Cayden Lindstrom comes up through the system.
#2. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are in full rebuild mode. As such, the club can afford to take a flyer on a player like Ryan Johansen to play a depth role in support of first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini.
Bringing Johansen in could be a good opportunity for the Sharks, especially if the club can sign him to a league-minimum deal, allowing San Jose to find the veteran depth.
While injuries could be a concern for the club, given the Sharks’ current rebuilding situation, taking a flyer on Johansen would not represent a major setback as long as the team does not sign him to an unreasonable contract.
#1. Chicago Blackhawks
Like the Sharks, the Chicago Blackhawks are going through a rebuild. The difference lies in that the Blackhawks are further along. Former No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard has established himself as a bona fide top NHL center, encouraging the team to add veteran depth pieces to support him.
This offseason, the Blackhawks added Tyler Bertuzzi to provide the veteran depth and secondary scoring. Adding Johansen could fulfill the purpose of supporting Bedard while enhancing the team’s scoring capabilities.
Nevertheless, the Blackhawks, like the Sharks, need to ensure the price is right. A contract like a one-year deal close to the league minimum could be a low-risk, high-reward proposition, especially if Johansen is motivated to get back into a full-time NHL role.
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