The Columbus Blue Jackets made a couple of moves today, and both of which took more than a few CBJ fans by surprise.

The first move, and probably the most shocking, saw long time Blue Jacket forward R.J. Umberger shipped off to Metro division rival Philadelphia Flyers. It came out a few weeks ago that Umberger asked to be traded from Columbus, saying that he was unhappy with his playing time down the stretch last season, and that he and Head Coach Todd Richards didn't jive very well. The Jackets were either going to buy him out or trade him, and a trade it was.  

But that's not the shocking part. The big one was that the CBJ landed long time NHLer Scott Hartnell. CBJ fans were elated this morning when the news broke. Attaining a guy like Hartnell, who not only has some skill, but has hatred already for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is fantastic, and he will fit in well with the fans here in Columbus.

Hartnell had spent seven years and 517 games in Philadelphia, and in his career has registered 250 goals and 287 assists for 537 points with 1,452 penalty minutes and a cumulative +65 plus/minus rating in 953 career NHL games with the Flyers and Nashville Predators.

It is being reported that Hartnell was "forced out" of Philadelphia:

"A few days ago … four or five days ago now … my agent got the call from Hexy and said there were a couple of teams that inquired about me. He hummed and hawed about my role and my position in Philadelphia, and he decided it was best for me to move on from the Flyers" said Hartnell. He told a local Columbus radio station today that he was "shocked", especially after signing a 6 year deal last year. He said “But I’m not gonna sit here for the next two months and mope around", possibly eluding to another Flyer dealt to the CBJ, Jeff Carter.

After listening to Hartnell do 4 or 5 interviews today, it's clear that the guy just wants to win. CBJ GM Jarmo Kekalainen basically said that Hartnell interviewed the Blue Jacket brass before the trade was finalized, to make sure this organization wanted to win. It's safe to that they convinced him. Hartnell has to waive a No Trade Clause for this move to happen.  

Needless to say, as much as most of us will miss Umberger, fans are very excited to have Hartnell.  

In a smaller move today, The Jackets announced that they have signed back-up goaltender Curtis McElhinney to a one-year contract extension. McElhinney posted a 10-11-1 record with a 2.78 goals-against-average, .909 save percentage and two shutouts in a career-high 28 games during the 2013-14 season, his first with Columbus. Many fans were wanting a change in back-ups for starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, but Jarmo and John Davidson had seen enough to give him another year to play behind Bobrovsky.  

Costless Agency doesn't start until July 1st and its already been a wild last week of June for the Jackets.  Buckle up, because it may get bumpy.

Is it October yet?

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