Philadelphia Flyers: Ryan Hartman Provides a Heartbeat

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 03: Ryan Hartman #38 of the Philadelphia Flyers in action against the New York Islanders during their game at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 03, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 03: Ryan Hartman #38 of the Philadelphia Flyers in action against the New York Islanders during their game at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 03, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Since being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers on February 25th, Ryan Hartman has provided a spark and heartbeat to the Flyers lineup.

When the Philadelphia Flyers traded Wayne Simmonds to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Ryan Hartman, expectations for the latter were a little cloudy. Fans knew that the 24-year-old forward is a grinder on the ice that can put up some good offensive numbers, as displayed with his brief time in Nashville and Chicago. After four games with the Flyers, it seems as if Philadelphia traded a fan favorite for another younger fan favorite.

In just four games played with the Flyers, Hartman has registered one assist and six penalty minutes. The 6’0” and 181 pound right winger made a great first impression in his first game as a Flyer with his teammates and fanbase after he laid a nice check on Rasmus Dahlin.

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Dahlin, the Buffalo Sabres’ 2018 first-round draft pick, got a taste of Philly and Hartman toughness after he was leveled in the early minutes of the game.

Immediately after checking the young superstar, Hartman answered the bell by scrapping with Buffalo’s tough guy Zach Bogosian.  This series of events led to Hartman getting a standing ovation from the adoring Philadelphia crowd.

Since joining the Flyers, Hartman has helped the Flyers win three of their last four games.  There is no question that the former Predators and Blackhawks wing is a perfect fit to Philadelphia’s playing style and will hopefully be a member of the team for a long time.

Although it was tough for Flyers fans to see Simmonds go, the trade was one that will easily be filed as a win for the Flyers. Hartman should give Philadelphia a spark, which is what they need as they hang onto their slim postseason hopes.

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The Flyers received a young, two-way forward that is developed in all aspects of his game. Hartman has not even his prime yet, which means that the numbers he is showcasing now will likely improve in the coming years.  Set to be a free agent at the end of the season, it is very likely that the Flyers re-sign Hartman at the end of the season.