Scott Hartnell, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, enjoyed a lengthy career in the National Hockey League (NHL) that spanned over 17 seasons. Born on April 18, 1982, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Hartnell was known for his gritty playing style and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. He began his NHL journey when he was selected sixth overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
Hartnell made his NHL debut with the Predators in the 2000-2001 season. As a young player, he quickly established himself as a physical presence on the ice, known for his aggressive forechecking and willingness to engage in battles along the boards. Over the course of his six seasons with Nashville, Hartnell developed into a reliable forward, contributing to the team's offensive efforts while also being a dependable player in his own zone.
In 2007, Hartnell's career took a new turn when he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. It was with the Flyers that he truly came into his own as a player. During his seven seasons in Philadelphia, Hartnell became a fan favorite, known for his hard-nosed style of play and his ability to score timely goals. The 2011-2012 season was particularly memorable for Hartnell, as he recorded a career-high 37 goals and 67 points, earning him a spot in the NHL All-Star Game.
Hartnell's time with the Flyers was marked by several deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2010, where the Flyers ultimately fell to the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite not capturing a championship, Hartnell's contributions during these playoff campaigns were invaluable, as he consistently provided energy and leadership on and off the ice.
In 2014, Hartnell was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he continued to be a productive player. During his three seasons with Columbus, he maintained his reputation as a hard-working forward, contributing both offensively and defensively. Hartnell's veteran presence was instrumental in helping the Blue Jackets reach the playoffs in the 2016-2017 season.
Hartnell returned to the Predators for the 2017-2018 season, bringing his career full circle. Although his role had evolved over the years, he remained a valuable asset to the team, providing leadership and experience to a young roster. After the conclusion of the 2017-2018 season, Hartnell announced his retirement from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Hartnell was known for his physical style of play, his ability to score goals, and his leadership qualities. He finished his NHL career with 327 goals and 380 assists for a total of 707 points in 1,249 regular-season games.
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