The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced they will buy out the remainder of winger Scott Hartnell’s contract. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen broke the news today, meaning that the left winger will become an unrestricted free agent immediately.
#CBJ have notified LW Scott Hartnell that they’ll buy out the remaining two years of his contract.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 29, 2017
Columbus Blue Jackets Buy Out Scott Hartnell’s
The 35-year-old was acquired by the Blue Jackets via trade from the Philadelphia Flyers in 2014. The Blue Jackets sent left wing R.J Umberger and a 2014 fourth round pick to get Hartnell. A great addition for the Blue Jackets, Hartnell collected 164 points in his 234 games in Columbus. Hartnell scored 13 goals and 37 points this past season in 78 games. He did not record a point in four playoff games.
Hartnell was expected to make $4,500,000 dollars this season and $3,000,000 dollars next season. However, Hartnell’s cap hit was $4,750,000 for both this season and the next season. With the Blue Jackets up against the salary cap and Hartnell having a no-move-clause caused some issues. With key players contracts coming up for Columbus they did not have room for Hartnell’s contract.
Here are the buyout numbers on Hartnell, per @CapFriendly ….https://t.co/IULXyQjUQE
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 29, 2017
Hartnell’s decline in stats and expensive contract forced Columbus hand to buy out the remainder of the contract. Hartnell was a good player for the Blue Jackets but his time in Columbus has come to an end.
Hartnell has played 16 NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets, Flyers and Nashville Predators. He was the Predators first round pick, sixth overall in the 2000 NHL Draft. Hartnell has scored 314 goals and 370 assists for 684 career points in 1187 career games. He has also added 19 goals and 28 assists for 47 points in 95 career playoff games.
Off the ice, Hartnell has been a consistent positive influence. He is known for his Hartnell Down charity efforts.
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