The hockey world is buzzing with intrigue following a dramatic new development in Ryan Johansen’s contract saga—one that has left fans, insiders, and even league officials searching for answers.

After months of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, a ruling has finally emerged regarding Johansen’s controversial termination from the Philadelphia Flyers, but the details are anything but straightforward.

Whispers of a severe injury, disputed medical advice, and a high-stakes grievance filed by the NHLPA have all swirled around the veteran center, fueling endless debate about what really happened between Johansen and the Flyers’ front office.

Now, with the arbitrator’s decision sending shockwaves through the league, the future of this former All-Star hangs in the balance. Is this the end of the road for Johansen, or could a stunning twist put him back on the ice sooner than anyone expects?

As more information comes to light and the fallout continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the full story behind Ryan Johansen’s contract battle is far more complex—and sensational—than anyone could have anticipated.

Stay tuned as we peel back the layers of this NHL mystery.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

A new report reveals the decision regarding Ryan Johansen’s 2024 contract termination by the Philadelphia Flyers.

New reporting from insider Darren Dreger reveals the status of the NHLPA’s grievance filing on behalf of forward Ryan Johansen against his termination by the Flyers in 2024.

According to Johansen’s agent, his client had a “severe hockey injury” that impacted his ability to play, and he had ultimately been planning to get surgery while having consulted with Philadelphia’s medical staff.

pic.twitter.com/YlIJYEoJPr

— KO Sports, Inc. (@KOSportsInc) August 20, 2024

The Flyers had claimed that the termination of Johansen’s deal was due to a “material breach” in his contract that led to him being placed on waivers and then released.

Johansen was to be sent down to the minors after being acquired by Philadelphia back in March of last year. Johansen did not play for the Flyers before his termination that same August, having stayed in the NHL due to his injury.

Dreger: Ruling On Ryan Johansen’s Grievance Case Against Flyers

According to Darren Dreger, an arbitrator has ruled in favor of the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHLPA’s grievance, dealing a blow to the players union.

Sources say an arbitrator has ruled in favour of the Philadelphia Flyers in a grievance filed by the NHLPA following the termination of Ryan Johansen’s contract in August, 2024. The Flyers cited a “material breach” as grounds for termination.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) August 12, 2025

Flyers insider Kevin Kurz of ‘The Athletic’, confirming Dreger’s reporting, says that the move not only means they do not owe Johansen any money, but that his $4M contract for this season that was still owed has been waived by the arbitration ruling, with 50% retention owed by Nashville coming off the books as well.

Johansen, 33, is currently unsigned, but is still eligible to sign in the NHL

Can confirm that Flyers won the Ryan Johansen hearing and first reported by @DarrenDreger. Team doesn’t owe him a single dollar.

— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) August 12, 2025

Per a team source, the Johansen ruling is actually a big relief for the Flyers. They could have been dinged for the full $4 million cap hit this season had they lost. The Nashville Predators also benefit, by the way, considering they had 50% retention.

— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) August 12, 2025

How Contract Termination Works Under NHL Rules

When a player is believed to have breached the terms of his contract, he can have himself placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a contract termination.

In a players contract is expected for them to uphold themselves to a professional standard, meaning that an incident that damages the credibility or the player and/or team may have the club forgo the player’s rights.

Incidents that have caused a negative spotlight have led to a contract termination in the past.

Famously, Corey Perry had his deal terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks in November of 2023 due to inappropriate conduct, with the NHLPA ultimately reaching a financial settlement with Chicago months later.

If a player feels the termination is unfair, they have 60 days to appeal to gain financial compensation from the club.

 

What the Latest Ruling Could Mean for Johansen’s Future

Ryan Johansen is still eligible to return to the NHL, although he remains a free agent at this time.

Corey Perry was able to sign with the Edmonton Oilers after his incident, giving a public apology upon signing with the team.

The deal does not preclude Johansen from playing in the NHL or signing a new contract, but he doesn’t get the money that was fought for by the player’s union.

Johansen, a 13-year NHL veteran, was drafted fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He has 202 goals, 376 assists, and 578 points in 905 games played.

Johansen played five seasons in Columbus, followed by eight seasons in Nashville with the Predators, and what is at this time his final NHL season with the Colorado Avalanche.