R.J. Umberger, a former graduate of Ohio State University, has been traded from the Blue Jackets to the Philadelphia Flyers. In exchange for Umberger and a fourth round pick, the Blue Jackets acquired left-winger Scott Hartnell from the Philadelphia Flyers.
Combining the fact that Umberger was a former Buckeye and had a gritty playing style always made him a fan favorite in Columbus over the years. Umberger was unhappy though towards the end of the 2014 campaign when he was a healthy scratch on several occasions and saw reduced playing time on the Power Play. This resulted in Umberger demanding a trade, which ultimately led to his departure.
Hartnell spent the first six seasons of his career in Nashville and the last seven seasons playing in the city of Brotherly Love. Hartnell is well known amongst many Blue Jackets fans for his playing days in Nashville, when they were an archrival of the Jackets. He has scored 20 or more goals in seven seasons in the NHL including two 30-goal seasons.
Despite his struggles after the Olympic break in the 2014 campaign, Blue Jackets fans will never forget the diving made by Umberger in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which set-up the game-winning goal by Nick Foligno. The win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on that memorable night was the first ever Jackets playoff win at Nationwide Arena.
Adding a skilled winger in Hartnell, who also brings playoff experience and leadership to Columbus, is viewed by many as a good move. The hope around Nationwide Arena is that this trade is one of several moves that will help the Jackets advance past the first round of the playoffs.
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Updated 6/29 3:35pm with additional information and clarification.