"Definitely did NOT look hurt or slow": NHL fans react as Ryan Johansen's agent issues statement post contract termination by Flyers

NHL fans are reacting to a recent statement shared on August 20 by Ryan Johansen's agent, Kurt Overhardt, after the Philadelphia Flyers tried to terminate Johansen's contract. The statement, shared widely on social media by a Reddit user, explained that Johansen has a serious hockey injury that requires surgery.

Overhardt expressed disappointment in the Flyers, noting that Johansen had been cooperating with the team's medical staff since his trade to Philadelphia. The agent also mentioned that they had contacted the NHLPA to defend Johansen's rights.

"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," Overhardt's statement reads.

Ryan Johansen’s agent has released the following statement: byu/eh_toque inhockey

The news was quickly discussed among NHL fans on Reddit.

"Can’t believe the flyers would try to get rid of him during his trials and tribulations. He definitely did NOT look hurt or slow or anything wrong at all while he was on the Avs," one fan on Reddit sarcastically commented.

Comment byu/eh_toque from discussion inhockey

"I would like to sincerely thank the hockey gods for this drama on a random Tuesday in August," another fan jokingly said.

Comment byu/eh_toque from discussion inhockey

"So he has a severe injury but was still able to play 63 games for the Avs and was still in the lineup playing full games right before he was traded. Yeah this is his agent trying to spin things in Johansen's favor," a fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans about Ryan Johansen's situation:

"I'm ready for a rumble over this contract," a fan said.

"Reminds me of when James Sheppard got suspended by the Wild after a knee injury he sustained while doing high altitude training in Colorado. The high altitude training was trying to jump an atv over a river. He was suspended a year with out pay," one fan said.

"This “hockey injury” showing up on the flight between Colorado and Philly sure is convenient timing… (Yes I am a Nashville fan hoping this does get voided to return our $4M in cap space… if he’s actually hurt and the Flyers are trying to screw him over I hope he is able to prove that)," another fan said.

---

Flyers placed Ryan Johansen on waiver before termination of the contract

Ryan Johansen was placed on unconditional waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. The team is terminating his contract due to a material breach, though they did not explain the breach.

Johansen, who was traded from the Colorado Avalanche on March 6, never played for the Flyers because of a hip injury. Before the trade, he had 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) in 63 games with Colorado.

The Flyers planned to place Ryan Johansen on waivers after the trade, but his injury prevented this. Flyers GM Daniel Briere had said in June that Johansen's training camp participation depended on his recovery. But both parties will now have to go to NHLPA now.