Ryan Johansen's Agent "Disappointed" With Contract Termination, Threatens Grievance

Earlier on Tuesday, the Philadelphia Flyers announced that they had placed Ryan Johansen on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract due to what the team calls "a material breach".

Johansen arrived at the trade deadline in March from the Colorado Avalanche, and was unable to play due to a hip injury, either for the Flyers or their AHL affiliate.

Now, the player's agent, Kurt Overhardt, has vowed to fight the contract termination by threatening to file a grievance with the NHLPA. He called the Flyers' move "disappointing."

Johansen's agent Kurt Overhardt's statement on the Flyers' efforts to terminate Johansen's contract: https://t.co/RxIP0JcsUs
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) August 20, 2024

In his statement, Overhardt said "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 Flyers obviously disagree with Overhardt's opinion, and they'll no doubt use as evidence the fact that Johansen played 11 minutes for the Avalanche just two days before being traded, and suddenly was unable to play upon his arrival in Philadelphia.

Sounds like #Flyers feel they have grounds to terminate Ryan Johansen's contract based on an alleged hip injury reported by the player shortly after he cleared waivers in March and was sent to AHL Lehigh Valley.
— Anthony Di Marco (@ADiMarco25) August 20, 2024

The 32-year-old veteran forward registered 13 goals and 23 points in 13:39 of ice time per night in 63 games his one season with Colorado before the trade to Philly. He's spent 13 years in the NHL, and has compiled 578 points in 905 games.

As an interesting side note, Overhardt and the Flyers have had a rocky relationship over the past year, as one of his other clients is Cutter Gauthier, the top prospect who forced himself out of the Flyers organization last season, in a trade to the Anaheim Ducks.