Core Avalanche players wanted Ryan Johansen out of Colorado!

Earlier today, a major trade took place in Colorado with the Avalanche acquiring Sean Walker and a fifth-round draft pick in 2026 from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward Ryan Johansen and a first-round selection in 2025. The Avs’ 2025 first-round pick for Walker is top-10 protected. This means if the Flyers get a top-10 pick in next year’s NHL Draft, the first-round pick to the Avs will move to 2026.

However a more important detail has emerged in that trade. According to Avs insider Adrian Dater, “relations between Avs core players turned sour within last two weeks toward Johansen. It was a problem that was addressed today. But Johansen side of story yet to be told. Bottom line: there was friction in room.”

Johansen was sent to Philadelphia, who placed him on waivers right away less than an hour following the transaction.
Johansen has tallied 13 goals and 23 points in 63 games this season. He is in the seventh season of an eight-year, $64 million contract with an average annual value of $8 million, though the Nashville Predators retained half of that in last year’s transaction with Colorado.

No additional details were given on the nature of the feud or issues in the dressing room, but the Avalanche not only managed to land Walker, but also added another boost up front, acquiring forward Casey Mittelstadt from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram.

Just that easily moved on from Johansen.

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