Towards the end of Jason Arnott's tenure with the Nashville Predators, I, along with the majority of the fanbase (ha ha!), relentlessly ridiculed the then-captain for a variety of legitimate reasons.

He was the most talented forward on the roster, but coasted during almost all of his shifts, complained publicly about his linemates, and refused to backcheck with the necessary effort. Furthermore, Jason Arnott, for the most part, is a first class jerk. He once promised the flagship radio station here in Nashville to be their postgame player guest (which would've marked his first appearance), but upon the Preds losing the game, Arnott left the radio host at the proverbial altar and the show went guest-less.

It was a microcosm of his final year in Nashville. 

Of course, it wasn't all bad - Arnott contributed greatly to the team's successes while he was here, and still leads the franchise in all-time goals scored. But in my opinion, he was lazy and a cancer to an otherwise young and hard-working team that needed a good example in a leadership position (which it now has in Shea Weber). It had gotten to the point where we couldn't wait to be rid of him, and David Poile was nearly worshiped for getting an NHL player and 2nd round pick in return. 

When Arnott only waived his NMC to go to the Devils, I mocked him. When he only wanted to be traded to a playoff team, I mocked him. It was typical Arnott. I assumed he was washed up, and wanted to ride out the string by winning (/Charlie Sheen'd). 

As much as I've endlessly hated on Arnott, I should be the first to recognize the immediate impact he's had on the Capitals. From what I've seen, he's playing hard, playing defense, saying the right things, and being a veteran, vocal leader. He's doing exactly what I thought he didn't have in him. 

So good for him, and good luck to the Caps - if the Preds can't win a Cup, I'd love to see their most recent captain do so, because regardless of my ill will, he's greatly contributed to the Nashville Predators, and I think I'm all out of Jason Arnott hate.