The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Scott Hartnell to a 6-year contract extension worth $28.5 million. The amount breaks down to $4.75 million a year.
Hartnell, the 30-year old left winger has played 11 seasons in the NHL. He was originally drafted in the first round, six overall in 2000 by the Nashville Predators. After playing 6 years with the Predators, in 2007 both Hartnell and defensman Kimmo Timonen were traded to the Flyers in exchange for a first round selection in 2007. The Predators went on to draft defensman Jonathon Blum who has yet to develop into his first round expectation. In the five years with the Flyers so far, Hartnel has totaled for 263 points in 407 games; a combination of 129 goals and 134 assists.
Hartnell is of even more value to the team for who he is as a person. From his Hulk Hogan impersonation of a Pittsburgh Penguins fan to his charity work with #hartnell down, he is a positive influence on the team. His influence has helped his young teammates, from Claude Giroux to recently extended Wayne Simmonds.
All things considered, the Flyers have made out like bandits. They have signed a veteran player who is in his prime that can help develop the youth as well as contribute on a nightly basis for years to come. Losing out on the Shea Weber sweepstakes was a blessing, allowing the Flyers to lock solid pieces like Hartnell to become a perennial Cup contender.
