*Feel free to merge this thread if there already is a current thread going on, I couldn't find it*
Watching the prospect game, he's really impressed me. I hadn't heard of him up until tonight. Looking up his stats now I see he's sitting pretty at PPG. I was wondering where he projects to go in the draft, player comparisons, ceiling and anything else that could fit this thread.
I think he'll get drafted in the 20s. Not the biggest guy, but has very good skill, throws his body around, and is a real pest. Kind of reminds me of Ryan Callahan.
I like Hartman. He has a great motor and works hard every shift without question. I'm not sure he projects as a major scoring threat at the next level but he could play a very good energy line role. He's a player you want on your team, but he probably won't carry your team.
Wow this kid looks good, first rounder for sure in my eyes. Huge compete level, looks like he would skate through a brick wall to get the puck and win.
Horton played a very similar style in juniors, he's since mellowed out due to injuries
I like the Horton comparison, but I also see a bit of Kesler in his game as well. Overall this kid has been very impressive, definitely agree with rt, he's going to be a riser and will surprise people when a team picks him much higher.
So, he turns a lot of heads at the WJC, and returns to the OHL to put up 7g 11pts in his first 6gp back from the tournament. Yeah, he's going to rise quite a bit.
Also showed what his main use in the NHL may be in the Top Prospects game as a "space maker" for highly skilled players. Digs in on the forecheck, gets to the front of the net and has enough offensive skill to hang with the big guns and help generate chances.
I like the "less spastic Steve Downie comparison".
Offense aside, Hartman is the best penalty killing forward I've seen from this draft class. Hell, he's the best I've seen in junior all season. His positioning is outstanding. Very fluid and keeps his stick in lanes, threat to score on the PK.
i think he will go top 20. His production can't be ignored, as he is out-producing highly regarded (and older) teammates like Noesen and Rackell. He is one of those older guys for this draft class (just missed being eligible last year), but he has produced every where. I think the Callahan comparison is a good one. Upside is a consistent 25-30 goal scoring leader with a physical two-way game. Those types of guys, when they are low risk like Hartman, tend to even creep into the top 15.
I'd be interested in hearing what Plymouth fans think of him versus Noesen and Rackell in terms of upside and overall game.
Definitely plays bigger than his size. If he can squeeze another inch or two out of his frame, it would really help his game in the NHL. Hockeydb has him listed at 5'10", which would make him undersized in the NHL for the type of game he likes to play.
