Scott Hartnell traded to Columbus for Umberger and a 4th round pick (in 2015)
What's that about? Hartnell's contract looks pretty good. Umberger seems a bit overpaid.
Umberger is a step down offensively from Hartnell, but he is better defensively, can kill penalties and is more versatile with his position (can play wing or center). Plus, he gets about 100 minutes less in penalties a year so the Flyers won't be on the PK so much. IMO, a small step back this year for a big step forward in a few when Hartnell is playing out the last two years of his contract at 36/37 and has regressed to a 4th liner while Umberger will be off the books.
Agreed. I don't think it is great but certainly not that bad either. And if those last 2 years keep Cooter and Voracek on the team, then it might actually be worth it. Of course would have been nice to not take on Umberger's contract but Hartnell's contract is pretty bad. He didn't really fit with Berube's system and he looked a bit lost/slow in the playoffs.
Talk is that he requested the trade but they are trying to paint it as a winning thing. While I don't think the Flyers are necessarily built to win the cup, don't see the Blue Jackets as much better contenders. Also thinking that this opens up the wing for a younger player.
Still have no idea what they do with Vinny.