Some news from the NHL today as a 13-year veteran decides to hang them up. Most recently having played for the Colorado Avalanche and a long-time Nashville Predator, Ryan Johansen retires from the NHL today, officially. Let’s discuss how we got here.
Forward Ryan Johansen Retires after NHL 13 Seasons
Ryan Johansen had a durable career despite playing through injuries. He hasn’t laced them up in an NHL game since the 2023-24 season. Up until then, he had played 905 career regular season games. Over that time, he collected 202 goals, added 376 assists, for a total of 578 points. Throughout his career he averaged just over 17 minutes of ice time.
He had solid stats when it came to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as well. In 67 games, that included seven appearances with the Nashville Predators franchise, he had 54 points. He also skated in the 2014 playoffs with Columbus.
Credit Image: © Larry MacDougal via ZUMA Wire
Johansen is a native of British Columbia. Furthermore, he was originally a fourth-overall selection, back in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jackets, along with the Avs and Preds, would be the three teams he would skate in the show for.
How It Came to an End for Johansen
Unfortunately for Johansen, his career did come to a disappointing close. At the trade deadline in 2024, Colorado traded him to the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he was promptly put on waivers by the Flyers. He would not end up playing a single game in the Flyers organization. Moreover, eventually he would be placed on waivers to have his contract terminated.
The NHLPA would grieve the contract termination, only to see an arbitrator side with the Flyers organization. The reason was cited as a “material breach,” thus, granting the club reasonable grounds for the termination of Johansen. A tough way to end an otherwise solid, NHL career.
Still, according to PuckPedia, Johansen walks away from the game he loves, with an estimated career earnings of $78.61 million. Best of luck in your future endeavours.
Main Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Always a @PredsNHL 💛
Ryan Johansen has announced his retirement after 13 seasons in the League. pic.twitter.com/DL5xLHK3HY
— NHL (@NHL) March 19, 2026
