Ryan Johansen, a name synonymous with skill and resilience in the NHL, has officially hung up his skates. Announcing his retirement on the Predators' official podcast, the 33-year-old center wraps up a 13-season career marked by an All-Star appearance and a memorable Western Conference championship run with Nashville in 2017.
Johansen's journey to the NHL began with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, where his impressive 69-point rookie season led to him being the fourth overall pick by the Blue Jackets in the 2010 draft. After another stellar season with Portland, Johansen transitioned to the NHL with Columbus in the 2011-12 season.
The early years were challenging, as he managed just 14 goals over his first 107 games. However, the 2013-14 season saw him break out with 33 goals and 63 points, propelling the Blue Jackets to only their second playoff appearance at the time.
Despite his rising star status, contract negotiations with Columbus were tough, resulting in a three-year, $12 million bridge deal. This contract soon proved to be a steal as Johansen delivered a career-high 71 points the following season, earning All-Star MVP honors.
Johansen's time with Columbus was cut short, though, as the team sought defensive reinforcements. In a pivotal trade, he was sent to the Predators for Seth Jones halfway through the 2015-16 season. Johansen quickly became Nashville's top center, contributing significantly to the franchise's golden era, which included a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017 and a Presidents’ Trophy win the next year.
By the age of 24, Johansen had recorded four consecutive 60-point seasons and was instrumental in Nashville's near-championship run, despite missing the Final due to acute compartment syndrome in his left thigh. The Predators saw enough to lock him down with an eight-year, $64 million contract.
However, after signing the deal, Johansen’s offensive output waned. He reached the 60-point mark only twice more, averaging 18 goals and 54 points per 82 games. His role diminished over time, with his ice time dropping to 15:46 in the 2022-23 season, where he posted just 28 points in 55 games, and the Predators missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
In a bid to clear cap space, Nashville traded Johansen to the Avalanche, who were seeking depth after losing Nazem Kadri. Unfortunately, his decline continued in Colorado, where he managed just 13 goals and 23 points in 63 games, marking his lowest output since his early days. A subsequent trade to the Flyers ended without him playing a game, as a failed physical due to a hip injury kept him sidelined.
The Flyers aimed to resolve the situation by waiving him, citing a "material breach" for not reporting his injury, but Johansen appealed. The lengthy process concluded with an arbitrator siding with the Flyers, effectively ending his playing days.
Johansen steps away from the game having played over 900 NHL games, tallying 202 goals and 376 assists. His 362 points with Nashville rank him sixth in franchise history. As he moves into retirement, we celebrate Johansen’s impactful career and wish him success in his future endeavors.