For all intents and purposes, the Philadelphia Flyers, Ryan Johansen, and his agent, Kurt Overhardt, the CEO and founder of KO Sports Inc., are prepared to do battle and draw this process out after the Flyers announced Tuesday that they had placed Johansen on unconditional waivers with the purpose of terminating his contract.
Johansen, 32, presented with an injury upon joining the Flyers in a March 6 NHL trade deadline deal, which prevented him from being assigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL after clearing waivers.
The veteran center did not play any hockey after last playing for the Colorado Avalanche on March 4–two days before the trade–and, though the Flyers have evidently discovered grounds to terminate Johansen’s contract, citing a “material breach”, Overhardt is fighting back on behalf of his client.
“Ryan Johansen has a severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery which has been scheduled,” Overhardt said via KO Sports in a prepared statement on Tuesday afternoon.
“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 news of Johansen’s scheduled surgery comes just under six months after he was traded, reported, and subsequently had his injury discovered by Flyers medical staff. This is convenient timing, to say the least.
Additionally, Flyers general manager Danny Briere told Philly Hockey Now in June that Johansen was going to be meeting with team doctors and was exploring “non-invasive” treatments to try and solve his injury.
On the other hand, the Flyers stated Tuesday that they would have “no further comment,” meaning that they will make their case in the ordeal if and when appropriate.It is also worth noting that Overhardt represents former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier and served as his “family advisor” when the top draft pick was still playing for Boston College in the NCAA.
A resolution does not appear to be immediately forthcoming, as both parties are prepared to dig in and stand their ground.
If the Flyers successfully terminate Johansen’s contract, they will gain $4 million in cap space, barring any kind of settlements.
