Ryan Johansen is officially hanging up his skates. The announcement came on March 19, 2026, just before the NHL playoffs, marking a significant moment in the world of hockey.
Johansen, 33, has had a storied career spanning 13 seasons in the NHL. He was originally drafted fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2010 NHL Draft, where he began to make a name for himself.
Throughout his career, Johansen played for three teams: the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, and Colorado Avalanche. He was traded to the Predators in 2016 in exchange for Seth Jones, a move that would define his career.
During his time with the Predators, Johansen became a central figure in the team’s run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017. He compiled an impressive 110 goals and 252 assists for 362 points in 533 games with Nashville, ranking sixth in franchise history.
Johansen’s last season in the NHL was the 2023-24 season, where he played 63 games for the Colorado Avalanche, scoring 13 goals and 10 assists for a total of 23 points. However, his career was marred by injuries, particularly hip issues that ultimately led to his retirement.
He was placed on unconditional waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers after failing a physical due to these ongoing hip problems. It was essentially a foregone conclusion at that point that Johansen’s hip issues would prevent him from playing again, but he now makes it official.
Johansen’s overall NHL career statistics include 202 goals and 376 assists for a total of 578 points over more than 900 games. His contributions to the sport have been recognized with an NHL All-Star Game selection during his career.
As fans and teammates reflect on his accomplishments, the hockey community congratulates Johansen on his lengthy career and wishes him the best in retirement. His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered by those who followed his journey.
With Johansen’s retirement, the NHL loses a talented player who made significant contributions to his teams and the league as a whole. The impact of his career will resonate for years to come.