Danny Briere doesn't think Ryan Johansen can play hockey again

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Cooper Godin
April 19, 2024 (8:41 PM)

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Just days after seeing their season come to an end in heartbreaking fashion, Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Danny Briere met with reporters for his final media availability of the 2023-24 campaign.

Briere discussed a number of topics with reporters including how he thought the team played this season, their push for a playoff spot, and was also asked about the status of veteran forward Ryan Johansen heading into the 2024-25 season.

The Flyers General Manager told the media that he doesn't expect Ryan Johansen to be back next season and that he doesn't believe the 31-year-old can play hockey, likely due to his undisclosed injury. He didn't elaborate or say if Johansen would be retiring.

"Briere says he doesn't expect Ryan Johansen back and that 'He doesn't think he can play hockey.'

Johansen claimed to be injured after arriving via trade in March #LetsGoFlyers" Jon Bailey of Philly Hockey Now said.

Back on March 6th, the Philadelphia Flyers placed Johansen on waivers just hours after acquiring him from the Colorado Avalanche. Johansen would clear waivers the next day, but did not report to Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League after informing the Flyers he was dealing with an injury, which made him ineligible to be sent down to the minors.

Johansen, 31, appeared in 63 games with the Colorado Avalanche before the trade to Philadelphia, putting up 23 points (13 goals, ten assists), 34 penalty minutes and was a minus-six. The Vancouver native has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $8 million, half of which will be paid by the Nashville Predators and the other half by the Flyers.

Danny Briere is going to be an interesting General Manager to keep an eye on this summer as he tries to get his team over the hump and into the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020.