Representatives for Ryan Johansen say they will work to defend the veteran forward’s rights after the Philadelphia Flyers began the process to terminate his contract.

In a statement released Tuesday, Kurt Overhardt from KO Sports said, “The Flyers’ attempt to terminate Ryan’s contract is disappointing.”

“Ryan Johansen has a severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery, which has been scheduled,” Overhardt said. “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 said the termination was the result of “a material breach” of contract by Johansen. The club did not provide any other details.

The NHLPA, in a statement to John Wawrow of The Associated Press, said: “The Philadelphia Flyers’ actions raise significant concerns.  We are currently reviewing the matter.”

Johansen will now be placed on unconditional waivers and, if he clears, will have the final year of his contract terminated. His salary of $8 million for next season was to be split evenly between the Flyers and Nashville Predators.

Johansen did not play for the Flyers after being acquired at the 2024 deadline as part of the Sean Walker trade with the Colorado Avalanche. The 32-year-old appeared in 63 games for the Avalanche but after the trade informed the Flyers he had a hip injury.

“All I can tell you is I don’t expect him to be back. I don’t know, exactly, the situation. We’re dealing on the medical side with him,” Flyers GM Daniel Brière said in April. “The thing for him is getting him back to be able to play at this time. He doesn’t think he can play hockey. I wish I had a better answer for you. We need to get him better to figure out if there’s even a remote chance of him dressing for the organization.”

Johansen has appeared in 905 games over his 13-year career with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators and Avalanche.