Ex-Flyer Scott Hartnell was traded to the Jackets for R.J. Umberger.
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In a bit of a surprising move, the Flyers dealt Scott Hartnell to the Blue Jackets for R.J. Umberger. They also receive a 2015 fourth round pick. The swap sends Umberger home for a second go round with Philadelphia. He spent the past six seasons in Columbus after getting moved by the Flyers for first and third round picks in ’08.

Interestingly, Hartnell requested a trade out of Philly a year after signing a six-year $28.5 million extension. With five years remaining at an average cap hit of $4.75 million, he takes his rugged style to the Blue Jackets which should only make them tougher. Clearly, Hartnell has more left in the tank. Coming off a 20-goal, 52-point season, he’ll certainly help an emerging team looking to follow up a first round appearance with better postseasons. The Jackets core includes Ryan Johansen, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Cam Atkinson, Nathan Horton, Matt Calvert and Mark Letestu up front along with defensemen Jack Johnson, Fedor Tyutin, James Wisniewski and Ryan Murray. It hinges on former Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky. However, it’s a strong cast that should challenge in the Metropolitan Division.

Given no choice, new Flyers’ GM Ron Hextall traded Hartnell within the division for a player who looks on the downside. Umberger is still a solid two-way forward but basically a third liner whose production has dropped off. After scoring at least 20 goals in four straight seasons between ’08-09 to ’11-12, he struggled mightily in the shortened season posting only eight goals and 10 assists over 48 games. He bounced back with 18 markers and 16 helpers totaling 34 points in 74 contests this past season. That included eight power play goals, a shorthanded goal and three game-winners. In four games against the Penguins, he had one assist during the first round. A series Columbus lost in six.

Umberger’s contract is shorter. He has three years left at a similar cap hit worth $4.6 million per year. Maybe a return to a team he’s familiar with will help. It should certainly motivate him. The Flyers were able to also obtain a fourth round pick in 2015. Given that they’re stuck with Vinny Lecavalier for another four years and $18 million, they really need him and Umberger to produce. More will be expected out of Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier. Two of their emerging players. Schenn is restricted. A core that features captain Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek and Wayne Simmonds must continue to produce. Including Kimmo Timonen who’s back for one more year, the entire defense is signed. That includes former Islander Andrew MacDonald, who was given a ridiculous long-term contract of $30 million over six years. They also have Mark Streit, Luke Schenn and Braydon Coburn signed.

In Philly, it’s the land of unpredictable. Even following a feel good season where they rallied around Craig Berube and made the postseason, no one has any clue what’s going on. This is a franchise that continuously hands out long-term contracts like they’re candy. At least with the Hartnell trade, it was due to the player wanting out. What must irk Flyer fans is that once he was convinced the Blue Jackets were a Cup contender, he agreed to waive his no-trade. Given what direction they’re going in, it isn’t hard to envision.