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Columbus Blue Jackets LW Scott Hartnell

By Topher Peters

Oct 16, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Nationwide Arena. The Leafs won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Nationwide Arena. The Leafs won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Columbus Blue Jackets LW Scott Hartnell: Trade Talks

Columbus Blue Jackets LW Scott Hartnell is quietly piecing together a strong season playing up and down the lineup for the struggling team.

The 32-year-old LW standing 6’2”, 210 pounds, is currently leading the team in scoring with 18 goals and 18 assists through 52 games played, managing a plus/minus of -1. This is one point more than fellow winger Brandon Saad, who has put up 19 goals and 16 assists through 53 games.

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Hartnell, despite his age, continues to play with the antagonizing grit and physicality reminiscent of his days in a Flyer uniform. In addition to leading the team in scoring, Hartnell also leads the team in penalty minutes with 85 PIM. The penalties certainly allude to issues with Hartnell’s discipline, but lets not forget the winger boasts the sixth highest plus/minus on the roster. For a team struggling in both defense and generating points, Scott Hartnell appears to be comfortable in his role as a Blue Jacket.  However, he may not want to get too comfortable.

With three years remaining at an annual cap hit of $4.75 million dollars, the question becomes whether or not Scott Hartnell fits in the future plans of the organization. With the strong play of Cam Atkinson, Brandon Saad and Boone Jenner, Columbus is not short on talented wingers. With captain Nick Foligno also in the fold, the team may view the wing for next season as an area of depth, making Hartnell expendable.

Recently the Blue Jackets called up former first round pick, LW Kerby Rychel, who plays a similar punishing style of hockey as Hartnell and projects to be a strong third line winger (potentially second line). Perhaps the team views Rychel as a younger, cap friendly replacement for Hartnell, with the ability to put up some points, but play a more disciplined style of hockey.

The Columbus media is already viewing Hartnell as a tradable asset by this years Trade Deadline, which would indicate the winger is not viewed as a cog in the future Blue Jackets machine. If the team were to move the winger, the current remaining term on the contract and cap hit would be a deterrent for most contenders to chase an in-season trade. While Hartnell is piecing together a strong season, it will be hard for the team to move him this month without eating salary for the remainder of the contract.

Next: Columbus Blue Jackets: NHL Trade Deadline Primer

Also, wingers are believed to be widely available at the trade deadline with PA Parenteau, Jonathan Drouin, Jiri Huddler, Mikkel Boedker and Radim Vrbata as a few popular names on expiring contracts. If the Blue Jackets are serious about moving Hartnell, the offseason may be the best time to make the trade. While a 1st round pick is not likely, the team may be able move Hartnell for a 2nd round pick or a 3rd round pick plus a decent prospect in the offseason. With term remaining on the contract, the team does not need to force a trade.  Given the potential for a better return in the offseason, a Hartnell trade is not likely to make headlines before the end of the month.

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