Scott Hartnell will reunite with the team that gave him his start in the NHL. He has signed a one year deal worth $1 million with the Nashville Predators. After being bought out on Thursday by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Hartnell lands on his feet with the Predators.
Scott Hartnell returns to the #preds: One year, $1M.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2017
Scott Hartnell Signs with Nashville Predators
This past season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Hartnell scored 13 goals and added 24 assists in 78 games played. The gritty left-winger has seen his role decrease with the emergence of young, capable players for the Blue Jackets. At 35 years old, Hartnell was under contract with the Blue Jackets for two more seasons. With his production declining, the Blue Jackets bought out Hartnell’s $4.75 million contract to clear room in their books to sign other players. This sent Hartnell into unrestricted free-agency.
Throughout his career, Hartnell has proven to be an effective player, and at times an above-average goal scorer. In 1187 career NHL regular season games, he has scored 314 goals and 683 points. He has topped the 20-goal plateau nine times in his career, scoring as high as 37 with the Flyers in 2011-12. Hartnell is somewhat of a controversial player, often found in the thick of things. He is known for his grit, and willingness to drive the net-front.
The Nashville Predators drafted Hartnell in the sixth round of the 2000 entry draft. He has far surpassed expectations based on his draft position. Long-time Predators fans will likely embrace the return of one of the franchise’s own. On a one-year, $1 million contract, this deal is a win-win. The Predators land a potential 20 goal scorer, and Hartnell finds himself on a team who made it to the Stanley Cup Final just last season.
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