Scott Hartnell addressed the media in Columbus for the first time since being acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers back in June, and displayed a genuine excitement about becoming a significant member of an emerging team like the Blue Jackets.
The 32-year-old, who said he believed he would retire a Flyer, stated it didn't take long for him to come around on the idea of being traded to Columbus.
"It wasn't a tough sell at all," he said. "I'm real excited about coming in here and being a leader."
.@Hartsy43: "I want to win, and I want to win here." #CBJ
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 29, 2014
Hartnell, who pointed to players like Ryan Johansen and Nathan Horton (hurt much of last season), added he feels Columbus is well positioned for success: "This is a great team here. I think it stacks up against anyone in the East."
"They're dedicated to winning here. A healthy Horton, adding myself to the mix...it's almost like two new players here." - Hartnell #CBJ
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 29, 2014
In terms of his eventual return to Philadelphia in a Blue Jackets jersey, he said he will have "a lot to prove", and isn't concerned with remaining a Flyers fan favorite.
Hartnell: "Hopefully, I can be as hated in Philly as I am in Pittsburgh." #CBJ
— Rob Mixer (@RobMixer) July 29, 2014
The Blue Jackets, of course, faced the Penguins in the playoffs this past season; as such, Hartnell's move from Philadelphia to Columbus is sure to spice up the Metropolitan Division even further.
The full press conference can be viewed here.