Veteran forward Ryan Johansen announces retirement from professional hockey after 900-NHL game

Former Nashville Predators forward Ryan Johansen has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, bringing an end to his over 900-NHL career spanning more than a decade. The player has decided to conclude his glorious career, defined by perseverance, consistency, and excellent playmaking abilities.

According to reports, Johansen stepped into the world of the NHL in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. With his brilliant playing skills, he quickly developed himself as one of the franchise's foundational pieces. Over the remainder of his time with the Predators, Johansen consistently hovered around the 40-to-60 point range at his peak, before he decided to hang up the boots on Thursday.

Veteran NHL Center Ryan Johansen announces retirement after spending 13 seasons in the league

Ryan Johansen has recently announced his retirement in an episode of the Predators’ official team podcast released on Thursday. Reports suggest that the 33-year-old has decided to step away after an NHL career that spanned 13 seasons and included an All-Star nod and a Western Conference championship with Nashville in 2017.

According to Spotrac, Ryan Johansen was an Unrestricted Free Agent, and his last contract was 8 years, $64 million with a cap hit of $8 million per season. It is important to note that the forward, drafted fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010, amassed 202 goals and 376 assists across teams, including Columbus, Nashville, Colorado, and Philadelphia.

As per the NHL, Johansen was the youngest player to score 30 goals in 2013-14, joining Rick Nash and Geoff Sanderson as players with 30-goal seasons in Blue Jackets history. The center led Columbus in 33 goals, 63 points, multipoint 16 games, shots on goal (237), and face-off wins (692). In addition to this, Johansen also made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut on April 16, 2012, and scored his first NHL playoff goal.


Multiple reports suggest Johansen has averaged 18 goals and 54 points per 82 games for the Preds after signing the contract. His ice time steadily decreased throughout the deal, bottoming out with a 15:46 figure in 2022-23 that also saw him limited to 28 points in 55 outings with a -13 rating.

Apart from having a very promising career, the player has seen multiple ups and downs. After moving to Colorado in 2023, Johansen managed 23 points in 63 games before a skate-cut leg injury required surgery. He was later traded to Philadelphia in March 2024, but never played due to a hip issue, leading to his contract termination in August 2024 after a legal dispute.

Johansen's retirement ends an era for a reliable playmaker who thrived in the league despite durability tests. The NHL will certainly remember his leadership and cherish his excellent playing skills.


Celebrating India's sporting legends at the Times of India Sports Awards - Book Passes Now!