Ryan Hartman – Plymouth Whalers – 2013 NHL Draft

Hartman was the only forward out of the USNTDP U18 team who has a late enough birth date to have to wait for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Hartman was one of the key players for the

U.S. in the IIHF U18, contributing all over the ice, en route to a Gold Medal. Hartman works hard in the corners and along the boards and comes out of the battles with the puck more often than not. Hartman does need to get stronger, but already looks good in this area, which is very promising.

Hartman has a good shot, as well as some good moves, and much prefers to shoot the puck over passing it. Hartman is a decent skater, although we’d like to see him get a little better in this area. He does battles in open ice, forcing a lot of turnovers and getting the puck deep effectively in the neutral zone. Ryan has chosen to join the Plymouth Whalers for the 2012-2013 season. He’ll likely be caught behind the depth of the Whalers forwards, but should get good ice time on the third line, while jumping up onto the second line. He would be a top six forward on most teams, however with the experience, talent and depth on the Whalers, Ryan will have to earn his ice in Plymouth.