Ex-Flyer Scott Hartnell Retires from NHL After 17 Years

Former Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Scott Hartnell announced his retirement from the NHL after 17 seasons Monday morning:

Hartnell, 36, was a 2012 All-Star and appeared in the postseason 11 times. For his career, he scored 327 goals and registered 380 assists.

Hartnell's prime came with the Flyers (2007-14), where he posted five seasons with at least 20 or more goals and twice exceeded 30 goals. With Hartnell, Philly reached the postseason in five straight seasons between 2007-12 and six times overall, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in the 2009-10 season.

He began his career with the Predators (2000-07) before finishing it with the organization this year. He scored 13 goals and added 11 assists in 62 games this season. After his run with the Flyers, he also spent three seasons in Columbus (2014-17).

In his prime, Hartnell was a solid scorer who wasn't afraid to play physically or drop the gloves. He was also one of the game's better personalities:

After not being an everyday player for the Predators this past season, however, Hartnell indicated in June he was ready for retirement if the right offer didn't come along over the summer.

"There's no secret I'm at the twilight of my career," he said, per Adam Vingan of the Tennessean. "If my career was over this past season, I've got so much to look forward to. I've got no complaints [about] the way my career has [gone]."

He added: "If there's a call in July and it's the right opportunity and the right fit for me and my family, I think we'll take that if I am comfortable with the role I want to play. But if it doesn't come to that and it doesn't turn into anything, I'm ready to move on, too. I have lots to look [forward to] here in my after-hockey-playing years."