Ryan Hartman entered the 2021 season with the Minnesota Wild, where his 34‑goal output tied for ninth in franchise history and earned him a three‑year, $12 million contract.
Subsequent injuries and suspensions, however, diminished his presence, causing both fans and the organization to question his role, a shift reflected in the growing chatter surrounding players such as Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.
Fan Sentiment and Future Outlook
A survey of nearly 5,000 Wild supporters indicated a clear preference for Danila Yurov to take the center position, a view reinforced by Hockey Wilderness, which has publicly called for Yurov’s promotion over Hartman.
Statistically, Hartman’s five‑on‑five shot generation sits at 7.93 per hour, ranking fourth behind Kaprizov, Boldy and Marcus Johansson, while his 32 points placed him fourth in team scoring, underscoring his ability to contribute both as a scorer and a playmaker alongside Joel Eriksson Ek and Dylan Larkin.
Financially, his $4 million average annual value is a bargain when measured against market rates; veteran Boone Jenner, who signed for $5.75 million, illustrates the disparity, and Hartman’s cap‑friendly structure, with a salary lower than his cap hit, further enhances his appeal.
Even without replicating his 34‑goal peak, Hartman’s consistent scoring—evidenced by two 20‑goal seasons in the past three years—combined with his reliable playmaking, secures his place as a valuable, underrated component of the Wild’s lineup as they continue to search for a top‑line center.