Updated Sep 18, 2015 at 4:21p ET
Philadelphia Flyers forward R.J. Umberger would like another chance to make a first impression, even if he's on his second stint with the team.
Acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets for fan-favorite Scott Hartnell prior to last season, Umberger was unable to overcome a severe hip injury and finished with a career-low 15 points (nine goals, six assists) in 67 games.
The 33-year-old Umberger admitted to CSN Philly that he was injured at the time of the trade, but tried to play through the pain.
"They told me I had a herniated disk or hockey back, whatever. They said get rest over the summer. Well, summer went along and it got worse and worse," Umberger told CSN Philly. "I found myself in a hard place. I just got traded (here) and was looking for a fresh start. … Looking back, I should have spoke up and said how I truly felt."
The Philadelphia faithful certainly gave him an earful, as the Flyers failed to get much bang for their buck while Hartnell collected 28 goals and 32 assists in his first season with Columbus.
Declaring himself healthy, Umberger believes he can make an impact as Philadelphia looks to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2014-15.
Selected with the 16th overall pick of the 2001 draft, Umberger has scored 178 goals and set up 203 others in 740 career contests with the Flyers and Blue Jackets.
(h/t CSN Philly)
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