By Phillip Garrett -
Ryan Hartman’s career with the Minnesota Wild has been filled with bittersweet moments, ranging from scoring game-winning goals to pushing Tim Stützle’s head into the ice. Sometimes, the range of emotions caused by having a player like Hartman doesn’t seem worth the risk.
From the couch, it’s easy to point blame at any individual player, and if you’re anything like me, that blame often shifts weekly. However, it’s essential to remember how challenging Hartman’s role is to fill, especially with the Wild’s stars on injured reserve.
Hartman knows his job is to spark energy on the bench by scoring a goal, getting in a fight, or laying a big hit. That’s a big ask for a player who hasn’t shown the talent or discipline to be a consistent contributor throughout his career.
Still, the Wild extended Hartman last summer but failed to sign him to a contract that reflects his actual value. In 2023, the Wild signed Hartman to a three-year contract and a $4 million annual cap hit, but he has only caused more trouble than good since signing.
Hartman has the third-largest cap hit out of Minnesota’s rostered forwards but is only ninth in scoring. He hasn’t been playing well compared to past seasons with Minnesota. Since Hartman scored 65 points three seasons ago, the Wild have taken him off the first line, and he has failed to reach 50 points since. Without consistent scoring and having just served an eight-game suspension, it becomes harder to see the value of Hartman’s extension.
Still, there is a redeeming side to having a hard-nosed forward who can swing the momentum of the game instantly. There is something inherently exciting about watching Hartman play, which is why it’s hard to decide where I stand on the 30-year-old forward.
The Good
There is nothing like watching a player breathe life into your team. Since signing with the Wild in 2019, Hartman has been that guy. Hartman's goal in their home game against the New Jersey Devils was a perfect example of what he can bring.
Down 3-1 to New Jersey in the third, who else but Ryan Hartman brought the game back within one? Matt Boldy went to the penalty box, and New Jersey immediately scored two goals, which diminished this. Still, it’s precisely what Hartman has offered the team since the Wild signed him in 2019.
Hartman has also managed to contribute offensively since returning from his suspension. At a time when the Wild are struggling to find offense, Hartman has scored four goals and seven points in the 13 games since his return. He’s starting to look like a $4 million player and the glue guy he was before the suspension.
Hartman’s numbers haven’t been inherently impressive, but he is scoring more than he did during the suspension. This year, Hartman only has 11 goals and 24 points, a third of that after his suspension. Whether you think he’s scoring enough, Hartman’s uptick in offense is nice. With Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek returning soon, Hartman will have more opportunities to find the back of the net.
The Bad
Although Hartman has found ways to score, he has been far from consistent. With Hartman’s goal against the Devils, he ended a four-game pointless streak. I like to believe that you are only as good as your last goal, but Hartman’s inconsistency has been a major headline since his breakout season in 2021-22, where he scored 65 points.
For example, Hartman has had some long scoreless streaks this season. With eight games left in the season, Hartman went scoreless from January 18 to March 7, spanning 10 games. Even worse, he didn’t score in 18 games from November 23 to December 29. It’s important to remember that much of Hartman’s scoring troubles were when the team was winning consistently.
Hartman needs to change the narrative around his career quickly. The Wild must consider alternative options if he can’t start scoring consistently. The NHL is not as black and white as scoring your way out of trouble. Of course, a forward's defensive ability is essential, but in Hartman’s case, it becomes harder to justify playing him when the team needs him to stay on the ice and out of the box.
His lack of discipline and streaky scoring have resulted in just over 15 minutes on ice a night. John Hynes will likely continue to limit Hartman’s playtime without changing his playstyle.
The Ugly
Hartman has had some unflattering moments in Minnesota. However, he has started to become downright embarrassing. Since 2023, Hartman has received four suspensions, making him a repeat offender in the NHL. It’s not great to have a bad reputation in general. However, to have such a bad reputation to receive the longest suspension in franchise history is almost unconscionable.
I never want to see a player struggle, but fans can no longer defend a player who has so much controversy following them. From giving the middle finger on live television to recent accusations of slew-footing in the recent Vegas Golden Knights game, there is no shortage of dangerous things Hartman has done on the ice.
After his last suspension, one of the biggest questions was whether Hartman would adjust his game. It may be too early, but I don’t think he has. I always give the players the benefit of the doubt because I have no idea what they’re going through. Still, unless Hartman can stay out of the box, having him on the team has become an expensive liability.
Time will tell if Hartman can turn things around, and he will have plenty of chances to prove himself when Kaprizov returns. But as the season comes to a close, every player needs to stay focused. The Wild’s spot in the playoffs is still not guaranteed, so every point still matters.
Now is the time for every Wild forward to step up.
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