Add Scott Hartnell’s name to the list of upcoming unrestricted free agents, as the Columbus Blue Jackets bought out the 35-year-old left winger on Thursday.
Columbus Blue Jackets buy out forward Scott Hartnell’s contract
The 35-year-old put up 37 points last year.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Hartnell had just two years left on his six-year, $28.5 million deal that cost Columbus $4.75 million against the cap. Now, the Blue Jackets will save $3.25 million on their cap hit this year, according to CapFriendly.
Hartnell had 37 points in 78 games for the Blue Jackets last season, where he played bottom-six minutes for Columbus. The forward was acquired by the Blue Jackets in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for left winger R.J. Umberger and a fourth-round draft pick in 2015.
Though the 35-year-old has been in decline for the past few seasons, Hartnell would be a worthy free agency pickup for any team looking for a productive third or fourth line winger.
Hartnell now jumps up as one of the top left wingers available in this year’s free agency market, along with players like Patrick Marleau, Patrick Sharp, and Thomas Vanek.
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