A former Columbus Blue Jackets fan favorite may be calling it quits.
If this is indeed the end for Scott Hartnell, he'll end his career in the same city where he started it. The current Nashville Predators wing told reporters that he's going to take some time to think about his future after his team's playoff exit at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets.
#Preds locker-room cleanout summary:
— Robby Stanley (@RStanleyNHL) May 12, 2018
They all admitted they need to be better.
Mike Fisher is going to retire for real this time.
Scott Hartnell will consider retirement. Would also consider coming back to the #Preds if asked.
Turris owned up to his playoff performance.
The team's in-house digital writer, Brooks Bratten, has a more direct quote that shows a bit more uncertainty in Hartnell's words, as he left the door open for a return.
Scott Hartnell says he would love to come back to the #Preds next season but adds hell take some time this summer to think about his future.
— Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) May 12, 2018
That said, nobody would blame the 36-year-old for hanging up his skates, given his incredible career and the league's shift to a speedier game. Hartnell's career has seen him play 1,249 games in the NHL, lighting the lamp 327 times and putting up 707 career points. His reputation as an agitator is well-known, too, as he's accrued more than 1,800 penalty minutes as well.
His time with the Blue Jackets – despite its abrupt end – was memorable as well. In three seasons with the club, Hartnell put up a 64-82–146 line in 234 games. He played his 1,000th career game during his time with Columbus, too.
No matter what choice Hartnell makes, he'll be cashing checks from the Jackets for a few more years. Last summer, the club bought out the two years remaining on his contract, a buyout that will carry a $3 million cap hit next season before falling to $1.25 million for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.
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Source: @RStanleyNHL
