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Nashville Predators: Ryan Hartman Signs One-Year Contract to Remain with Predators

By Dylan Rodrigues |
WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 1: Ryan Hartman #38 of the Nashville Predators plays the puck down the ice during first period action against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 1, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Preds 7-4 and lead the series 2-1. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 1: Ryan Hartman #38 of the Nashville Predators plays the puck down the ice during first period action against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 1, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Preds 7-4 and lead the series 2-1. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)

After adding the young forward at the trade deadline, the Nashville Predators sign Ryan Hartman to a one-year, $875,000 contract.

Today, the Nashville Predators announced that they signed forward Ryan Hartman to a one-year, $875,000 contract. This is a perfect contract for both the Preds and Hartman.

Hartman, a restricted free agent entering this offseason, was acquired by the Predators at the trade deadline last season from Chicago. Since his arrival in late February, Hartman has been a welcomed addition to the Predators, even though you might not think so based on his stats. Hartman played 21 regular season games with Nashville last year, where he put up 3 goals and 3 assists. In the playoffs, he played 9 games, put up 2 goals, and 1 assist.

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Outside the numbers

Where Hartman’s game shines is in what isn’t shown on stats. Hartman offers a physical style of play, he’s good for a goal every now and then, and he’s willing to put his body on the line to make plays. Game 4 of this year’s series against the Jets is a microcosm of Hartman’s play.

Hartman opened the scoring in that game by finding the puck deflected off of a Yannick Weber shot. He picked it up from the Jets defense, and buried it glove side on Hellebuyck. Later on in that game, Hartman put his body in front of an open net and blocked what would have been a huge goal.

Like I mentioned earlier, this is a perfect contract for both parties. The Predators get a physical forward for only $875,000. Hartman, who is only 23, gets a chance to spend an entire season settling into the Predators’ system. Should this season go well for Hartman, this deal could end up being just a bridge deal that gets him into a longer deal with the Predators.

Next: Players who may take a step back in 2018

Personally, I love Hartman’s style of play. I’m glad to see him in a Preds sweater for another year, especially for such a low-cost. General manager/professional wizard David Poile does it again.

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