5 NHL stars who had their contracts controversially terminated feat. Ryan Johansen

The recent termination of Ryan Johansen’s contract by the Philadelphia Flyers raised some eyebrows regarding the motives behind the club’s decision. While Johansen has said he plans to appeal the decision, this situation will go down as another controversial instance in which a player’s contract has been terminated.

With that in mind, here’s a look at five NHL stars whose contracts were terminated amid controversy and speculation.

Ryan Johansen and 4 other NHL stars who had their contracts controversially terminated

#5: Adam Ruzicka

The Arizona Coyotes terminated Adam Ruzicka’s contract in February shortly after claiming him off waivers from the Calgary Flames.

Ruzicka had just joined the Coyotes when a video surfaced on social media depicting him consuming a white substance while splitting it with a credit card. The team did not comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Ruzicka alleged he wasn’t doing anything wrong.

He is now playing in the KHL.

#4: Corey Perry

The Chicago Blackhawks signed Perry as a free agent, looking to add veteran grit and experience to a young but talented team. However, Perry became involved in an undisclosed incident that prompted the organization to terminate his contract in early 2024.

To this date, the incident’s precise nature is unknown. Nevertheless, the NHL cleared Perry’s termination allowing the former Stanley Cup champion to sign with the Edmonton Oilers.

#3: Mitchell Miller

Miller is a former prospect for the Boston Bruins. The B’s were excited to have drafted Miller despite rumors of inappropriate conduct while playing minor league hockey, allegedly abusing a former classmate.

Despite a warning from then-captain Patrice Bergeron, the B’s signed Miller to a two-year NHL deal. When allegations surfaced, including the potential for criminal charges, Miller’s contract was terminated in mid-2023.

The Bruins accepted accountability by acknowledging a flawed vetting process.

#2: Ilya Kovalchuk

The history behind Kovalchuk’s contract termination is a long and complicated one. The New Jersey Devils signed Kovalchuk to a 15-year, $100 million deal in 2010. Kovalchuk was one of the best players at the time and looked to be headed to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

However, three years into the deal, he left the NHL to head back to Russia. Following a complex negotiation, the Devils terminated his contract. But the NHL felt that the deal violated salary cap regulations, imposing a recapture penalty on the Devils.

The penalty was imposed in 2013 and ends this upcoming season, freeing $250,000 from New Jersey’s overall cap hits.

#1: Ryan Johansen

Ryan Johansen had started last season with the Colorado Avalanche. However, a poor start and injuries prompted the Avs to trade him to Philadelphia. But the Flyers were unaware that he was still injured at the time of the trade.

After determining that Johansen was still hurt, the club placed him on IR, where he remained for the rest of the season. This offseason, the Flyers moved to terminate his contract due to what the team called a “material breach.”

While it is not known what this material breach constitutes, Ryan Johansen has filed to appeal the termination. If unsuccessful, he stands to lose the final $8 million of his $64 million deal.