Ryan Hartman has always fit into a certain mold in the NHL.
There is no doubt that he is a capable bottom-six player that can bring the unrelenting pressure and forecheck that coaches love. Even as a penalty kill contributor or just an average body, having someone that just looks like they’re trying out there is nice to see.
So when the Minnesota Wild signed him to a three-year extension on Thursday, that actually gives him a lower salary and cap hit — $1.7 million compared to $1.9 million — we all collectively dusted off our hands together with a resounding “good work” spread throughout the fan base.