Blue Jackets acquire Scott Hartnell from Flyers
The NHL Draft is still a few days away, but the wheeling and dealing that usually takes place during the event has already began as the Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired forward Scott Hartnell from the Philadelphia Flyers.
More from Columbus Blue Jackets
- NHL Draft winners and losers 2023: Blackhawks hit jackpot, Maple Leafs flop
- NHL Mock Draft: Connor Bedard No. 1, but who’s next?
- NHL rumors: Calgary in Flames, Kings, Flyers set for big deals, Hall to Chicago
- Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2023 revealed: Welcome to immortality!
- Hockey Hall of Fame Election: Who is eligible and how to watch
Heading back to Philadelphia are R.J. Umberger, who requested trade from Columbus shortly have the season ended, and a fourth round selection in the 2015 NHL draft.
“We are proud and excited to welcome Scott Hartnell to the Columbus Blue Jackets as he is the epitome of the type of player we want in our organization,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. “He is a talented, tough, hard-working player who brings valuable experience and leadership on and off the ice. We believe he will fit in very well with our group and be an important part of our team moving forward. We would also like to thank R.J. for his years of service to our club and extend our best wishes to him and his family.”
Hartnell heads to Columbus with five years remaining on the six-year, $28.5 million contract he signed with the Flyers prior to last season. Umberger, on the other hand, has three years remaining on his five-year, $23 million contract he signed with Columbus in 2012.
Umberger recorded 18 goals and 16 assists for the Blue Jackets in 74 games last season. He also helped lead the Blue Jackets to the franchise’s first win in the Stanley Cup playoffs. In 78 games with the Flyers last season, Hartnell scored 20 goals and registered 32 assists for 52 points. He had just three points in seven playoff games.