Best Trade Deadline Acquisitions in Nashville Predators History

Ryan Hartman, Acquired from Blackhawks for prospect Victor Ejdsell, a 1st Rd & 4th Rd Pick in 2018

Although it was a brief stint in Nashville for Ryan Hartman, I really enjoyed watching this guy's tenacity and spunk while he was wearing the gold. And when you look at the deal, it's hard to be too upset about it.

The Predators were in the midst of their Stanley Cup window after losing in six games to the Penguins the previous year, and on their way to winning the franchise's first Presidents Trophy. They were in win now mode and needed some extra beef to their lineup.

Unfortunately, Hartman didn't quite take off like the Predators probably hoped. He was never a prolific point scorer even before the trade, but was instead brought in for defense and physicality.

Giving up a prospect, Victor Ejdsell, wasn't steep considering that player only went on to play in six NHL games for the Blackhawks. Giving up a 1st and 4th round draft pick, however, is rough considering Hartman made very little impact on the Predators in that year's playoff run which ended in the 2nd round to the Winnipeg Jets in seven games.

Hartman was then traded at the following year's trade deadline for Wayne Simmonds. Since then, Hartman has kept his NHL career going strong and even posted a career high 65 points with the Minnesota Wild in 2021-22. So it's fair to say the Predators parted ways too quickly with Hartman in 2019.