Team: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: September 20th, 1994
Place of Birth: West Dundee, Illinois
Ht: 511″ Wt: 187lbs
Shoots: Right
I first took notice of Hartman at the World Juniors, where he stood out to me as a rough-and-tumble forward who could chip in with a little bit of scoring. I really started to like this kid at the Top Prospects Game in Halifax in January. Moments into the game he absolutely rocked Laurent Dauphin, bringing the crowd to its feet. He went on to dish out more hits, and showed that he could be dangerous around the net.
Scouting Reports:
A budding power-forward type, Hartman doesn’t shy away from any physical aspects despite his size. With his physicality also comes the willingness to drive to the net, go hard into the corners and push the forecheck. Complimenting that is his scoring touch, leaving his game with few weaknesses.
– Future ConsiderationsHartman is a do-it-all type player who can provide significant two-way value despite being a tad undersized, at around 5’11”. He is smart, and he makes creative plays in both puck handling and passing. He is a very aware defensive player, as he makes great reads, and he will provide value in his own end at both even strength and the penalty kill. Hartman is a hard worker, which adds to his defensive value. On the forecheck, he can deliver good pressure, and the occasional big hit. He has decent, if not solid speed. He lacks the blazing top gear that a player with below-average size would optimally possess, but his skating is acceptable. Hartman will create from the perimeter, drive the net, and play tough defensive situations. He does not have a ton of upside, but he projects as an above-average regular. He can play center or wing, a versatile bonus for the Whaler forward.
– Hockey Prospectus
Led the USA-NTP U-17 team in scoring last season. A physical-style player who already understands the nuances of both offensive and defensive coverages, and leads by example. He shows plenty of promise to climb up the scouting lists, because he plays an ultra aggressive style fits NHL playoff style hockey, despite being under six foot. He pressures the opposition in plenty of ways, including those they don’t like. Extremely smart and reads the on-ice situations, and will know when to drive the front, when to shoot, and the spot where to get open. Despite descriptions by many as not fast and under-sized, he has exceptional small area quickness in stop and starts and is a strong penalty killer. He can slide back to center ice if needed, and can play all three forward positions with grit, nasty and enough sandpaper that he can a disruptive force in all three zones.
– Bill Placzek, Draft Site
Very versatile player who can play wing or center. He knows how to play but one way; whatever it takes to win! He competes, has an edge, can be chippy and dirty but he plays within the confines of discipline. He will target ‘key’ players on the opposition side. He’s smart with the puck, can make very good plays and has confidence with the puck. He will drive net with or without puck and he pays a price to play. Good skater who has very good ‘game awareness’ as to what needs to happen to help his team win. Overall, a player who is no fun to play against!
– Craig Button, TSN
Why he’d be a good fit in Columbus:
I see him as the perfect player to suit up on the third line of the future with Boone Jenner as his centerman. The duo has the energy, drive, physicality and offensive ability to play a defensive role and provide tertiary scoring. He’ll be a fan favorite wherever he ends up, and I’m hoping it’s in Columbus.
Hartman in Action:
Courtesy of Youtube user JimKorn20