2013 NHL Draft Profile & Scouting Report: Ryan Hartman

Ryan Hartman forced himself onto the scene when it comes to the possibility of a first round selection with a season of intensity, physicality and an excellent international performance for the United States at the WJC.

Ryan Hartman was originally a USNTDP player before turning to the Major Juniors and the Plymouth Whalers this season. In his rookie season in the OHL he has been impressive on a very physical Plymouth Whalers team. He had 60 points in 54 games with 120 penalty minutes to boot.

Hartman is the classic gritty agitator type player. He's only 5"11 185lbs but he plays much bigger than his size and effectively outmuscles along the boards players who are much larger than himself. Though his agitator skills are a positive he also is prone to crossing the line and incurring unnecessary penalties.

He's excellent in his own zone and also is an great forechecker, maintaining pressure on the opponents all the way down the ice. Even if his offensive potential isn't fulfilled at the NHL level he will be able to provide that defensive forward type player which is needed in the bottom six of every NHL team.

Hartman has an above average shot but isn't the type of player that is going to pull off a Daysukian Deke anytime soon, but he can create chances though his good playmaking skills and through his grinding ability along the boards. In a way what I've read of him reminds me a lot of Brad Marchand, and maybe Steve Ott as well, in the agitator/annoying to play against kind of player with the potential to put some points on the board as well. Again they are both similar sizes so its an interesting thought to keep in mind when it comes to Hartman.

Would the Stars be interested in him? Definitely with the Boston First or maybe the Stars own second round pick. He's a good hard working player which the Stars definitely like. He might not have the size but he plays far bigger than his stature and the Stars like that. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he ends up in a Stars Jersey at the end of draft day.

Scouting Reports

International Scouting Services:

Hartman is one of the most annoying and agitating players to play against in the entire draft. Not only is he agitating, he's feisty, tough and aggressive. His relentless brand of in your face hockey can produce some serious momentum for his team and get opponents focused on anything other than the game itself. He can level opponents with big hits, grinds out plays well down low and can be even more infuriating because he has some good offensive skill as well. He works hard in both directions and ins't afraid to drop the gloves with bigger opponents. NHL Potential: 2nd - 3rd line player with offensive upside.
Style compares to: Brad Marchand

Hockey Prospect:

What we like most about Ryan is how hard he works every shift, every game. He plays whistle to whistle and battles for every inch. He has a tenacious forecheck and forces tons of turnovers. He hits and despite his average size, he packs a lot of power in his physical game. He has also shown a willingness to drop the gloves from time to time. He competes hard in all three zones and will work defensively creating turnovers and ending potential scoring chances against his team. Ryan was one of Plymouth's go to penalty killers and did an excellent job getting in passing lanes and sacrificing his body to block shots. The only question for Hartman going forward is whether his of- fensive game will translate at the next level. He shows good in- stincts in the offensive zone and is capable of reacting quickly and staying patient with the puck.

Last Word On Sports:

Listed at 5'11″ and 185 lbs, many wouldn't think of Hartman as a power forward, but that is exactly the type of game that Hartman plays. He really is a very gritty and physical forward. He is extremely physical in all areas of the ice and especially strong on the forcheck. Hartman protects the puck very well down low and is excellent in the cycle game. He fights through checks, and gets to the dirty areas of the ice. Hartman is a playmaker, who uses excellent passing skills and very good vision to set up teamates. He has very good hockey sense and often makes the smart play with the puck on his stick, and has an ability to find openings when its not. His wrist shot is extremely heavy and features an excellent release. He also can score some goals by taking the puck to the net, and using his soft hands in close. Hartman is an agitator who loves to chirp opponents and is often in the middle of things after the whistle. He's also been known to drop the gloves.