Ryan Johansen was a member of the Nashville Predators for parts of eight seasons after being acquired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2015-16. He had a lot of good years for the Predators, but in his final season (2022-23), his production really dropped off.
With two years left on his deal at $8 million AAV, the Predators decided to retain half of his cap hit and trade him to the Colorado Avalanche. This was a hopeful play by the Avalanche to rejuvenate Johansen and fill the second line center role. That didn't end up working out for them and he has actually had a worse season than his final one with the Predators.
Johansen was sent over to the Philadelphia Flyers in a deal to acquire Sean Walker, but then the Flyers placed Johansen on waivers (March 6). While this may just be to see if there are any takers, he very well might find himself in the AHL if he is unclaimed. Evgeny Kuznetsov of the Washington Capitals did.
Johansen is an NHL player, but he is not worth the money he is making anymore. He still has one year left on his deal that may be in danger of being bought out as well after the season. We will see if Johansen can get his career back on track with a new team.