Scott Hartnell

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Through six seasons with the Predators, Hartnell played in 453 games, accumulating 93 goals and 118 assists. During the 2003–04 season, Hartnell had three game-winning goals, two of which came in overtime. In his first career playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings in 2004, he tied the team high with three points (one goal and two assists). During the 2004–05 NHL lock-out, Hartnell helped Vålerenga win the Norwegian Championship, scoring 12 goals in 11 playoff games. In the 2005–06 season, Hartnell accumulated a career-high 25 goals and 23 assists for a total of 48 points. Additionally, Hartnell scored his first career hat-trick on February 4, 2006, in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The first two goals of the trifecta were scored against Adam Munro, with the final goal coming against Craig Anderson. The following season, Hartnell continued to produce similar offensive numbers, also setting franchise records for career penalty minutes (461) and for the fastest two goals by an individual (23 seconds). All of this was despite a broken foot, which resulted in Hartnell missing all of March.

In Their Own Story

The ice was slick under his skates, the roar of the crowd a familiar thunder. Scott Hartnell dug his blade into the surface, eyes locked on the puck. A defenseman loomed, but Hartnell didn't slow—he drove through the check, stick on the ice, and tipped the shot past the goalie. The horn blared, and he raised his arms, a grin splitting his face. In that moment, he wasn't just a player; he was the heart of Nashville hockey.

Reader's Guide

Scott Hartnell's era with the Nashville Predators spanned from 2000 to 2007, during the franchise's formative years. He was known for his aggressive, physical playing style, often mixing it up in front of the net and along the boards. His greatest achievements include being the team's first-ever draft pick and a key contributor to the Predators' first playoff appearances. Hartnell's legacy is that of a fan favorite who set the tone for the franchise's identity: tough, resilient, and never backing down. He remains a beloved figure in Predators history, a symbol of the team's early grit.

Did You Know?

• Hartnell was the youngest player in franchise history to play for the Predators, as well as the youngest player in the NHL in the 2000–01 season.
• His first NHL game was played in Japan against the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a two-game set planned by the NHL to raise international interest in the League.
• During the 2004–05 NHL lock-out, Hartnell helped Vålerenga win the Norwegian Championship, scoring 12 goals in 11 playoff games.
• Hartnell set franchise records for career penalty minutes (461) and for the fastest two goals by an individual (23 seconds).
• He scored his first career hat-trick on February 4, 2006, in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks.