Photo Credit: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Yesterday, the Flyers placed Center, Ryan Johansen on unconditional waivers, with the intent to terminate his contract because of a “Material Breach”. A material breach is when a player proceeds to conduct an activity in violation of his said contract. This could be actions or behaviors, which raises red flags, in this case Johansen’s injury.
The NHLPA (Players Association) will represent Johansen’s case, to which he will file a grievance on this matter. Both lawyers will then intervene, to which the NHLPA will find out what evidence the Flyers have against Johansen, that would cause them to believe Johansen’s contract could rightfully be terminated.
Johansen got married to his girlfriend Abigail Gray this past weekend in Ohio, only to learn that the Flyers plan/will terminate his contract. Kurt Overhardt who is Johansen’s agent released a statement yesterday: “Ryan Johansen has a severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery which has been scheduled.”
After Johansen was traded to Philadelphia last March. He claimed that he had a hip injury, that would prevent him from playing with the Flyers/Phantoms at that time. With him claiming an injury, Johansen could not be sent to the Phantoms, after successfully clearing waivers. The Flyers were then forced to place him on IR (Injured Reserve). In addition, the orange and black could not buyout the final year of Johansen’s contract this offseason, due to him being injured.
It gets even wilder. Johansen didn’t miss any games for Colorado (63 Games played) prior to being traded to the Flyers, and that is what makes this case even more puzzling. Actually, he played one night earlier with the Avalanche, and did not miss a shift in the 2-1 overtime victory over the Minnesota Wild.
Danny Briere has stated, “He claimed to be injured when we traded for him, so we had him see the doctors. They found an injury, so now he’s going to be rehabbing.” Briere and the Flyers did not know how long his rehab would take, and at exit interviews Briere stated that Johansen’s injury was severe enough that he might not ever play again. The keyword was might, as the Flyers were unaware of how long everything would take to properly heal.
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This case is far from over, if the Flyers are successful in this case, then his contract will be off their books entirely. Whatever the case may be, there is never a dull moment being a Flyers fan.
Johansen cleared waivers today. The Flyers can terminate his contract, but I expect some type of litigation to take place, as mentioned above.
Per Elliotte Friedman, he has 60 days from date of termination to appeal.
