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NHL Trade Rumors: Three teams that should trade for Scott Hartnell

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 29, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena. The Jackets won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena. The Jackets won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: John A Russell/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: John A Russell/Getty Images /

1. Nashville Predators

Who says you can’t go home? Scott Hartnell almost did this year, as he was reportedly almost traded back to the same team that drafted him twice in a span of a few months. After nearly being included in the Ryan Johansen for Seth Jones swap, Hartnell was nearly dealt to the Predators for Colin Wilson at the trade deadline. Hartnell would be an excellent fit for the Predators.

Nashville’s forwards are young and exciting, for the most part. The one thing that they lack are guys who aren’t afraid to go to the dirty areas around the crease to create pandemonium and score goals. Wilson and Craig Smith have proven that they can, but not consistently. Scott Hartnell is one of the best in the NHL at scoring ugly goals. But hey, those ugly goals? They count as much on the scoreboard as a Filip Forsberg wrist shot.

The only issue: what would it cost for the Blue Jackets to get Scott Hartnell? Wilson might be out of the question now with the Blue Jackets having a very complicated problem to deal with once the expansion draft comes. They can only afford to keep so many players.

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Even without Hartnell, they’d likely have to expose at least one good player. So Wilson is probably out of the question. Kevin Fiala could be involved in the trade. Also, the Predators have draft picks, so don’t be surprised to see a trade at the 2016 NHL Draft that sends Scott Hartnell back home.

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