Ryan Johansen Announces Retirement After 13 NHL Seasons
Ryan Johansen, a veteran center with 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), has announced his retirement from professional hockey. The announcement came on Thursday afternoon via an episode of the Nashville Predators’ official team podcast. The 33-year-old leaves the game having achieved significant milestones, including an All-Star nod and a Western Conference championship with the Predators in 2017.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Johansen’s hockey journey began in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Portland Winterhawks. A remarkable 69-point rookie season propelled him to be selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2010 draft. He transitioned to a full-time NHL player with the Blue Jackets beginning in the 2011-12 season.
Initially, Johansen faced challenges in producing consistent results, scoring 14 goals in his first 107 games. However, the 2013-14 season marked a turning point. He exploded for 33 goals and 63 points, leading the Blue Jackets to just their second playoff appearance in franchise history at the time. This breakout performance earned him recognition as a rising star.
Columbus Years and the Trade to Nashville
Following his breakout season, Johansen signed a three-year, $12 million bridge deal with the Blue Jackets. This contract proved to be a bargain, as he followed up with a career-high 71 points, representing Columbus at the All-Star Game and even earning MVP honors.
Despite his success, Johansen’s time in Columbus was cut short. The Blue Jackets, needing to bolster their defense, traded him to the Nashville Predators midway through the 2015-16 season in a significant one-for-one deal involving Seth Jones.
Predators Success and Later Challenges
In Nashville, Johansen immediately stepped into a top-center role. While he didn’t replicate his 70-point seasons, he became a crucial part of the Predators’ most successful era. The team reached the playoffs in three consecutive years (2016-2018), culminating in a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017 and a Presidents’ Trophy win the following season.
At age 24, Johansen had strung together four consecutive 60-point seasons and played a pivotal role in a team that came within two wins of a Stanley Cup. However, an acute compartment syndrome in his left thigh sidelined him during the Final.
He signed an eight-year, $64 million contract with the Predators, but his offensive consistency waned. His ice time decreased, and his production declined, leading the Predators to explore trade options.
Final Years and Retirement
Johansen was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he struggled to find a consistent role. He was later moved to the Philadelphia Flyers, but a nagging hip injury prevented him from playing a single game for the team. A dispute over his injury led to the Flyers terminating his contract for a “material breach.”
Ultimately, hip issues proved insurmountable, leading to his retirement. Throughout his career, Johansen tallied over 900 games, recording 202 goals and 376 assists for a total of 578 points. His 362 points as a member of the Nashville Predators rank sixth in franchise history.
Pro Hockey Rumors congratulates Ryan Johansen on his impressive career and wishes him all the best in his retirement.
