Chicago Blackhawks trade Hartman and Wingels
The last thing Ryan Hartman wanted was to be traded.
After all, Hartman was living the dream by playing pro hockey for the team he grew up cheering for his entire life.
"Obviously this is the place I want to be and play," Hartman said last week. "This is my home."
But business is business, and with the Chicago Blackhawks out of the playoff picture, general manager Stan Bowman got an offer he couldn't refuse from the Nashville Predators and traded Hartman on Monday.
The Hawks will receive Nashville's first- and fourth-round picks in 2018, plus winger Victor Ejdsell, while also giving the Predators their fifth-round pick this year.
Hours later, the Hawks sent Tommy Wingels to Boston for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2019 draft.
In Hartman, Nashville adds bottom-six scoring depth as well as a player who has the potential to draw a penalty or two that could turn a game, or even a series.
"With this deal, we paid a very hefty price," said Nashville GM David Poile, whose team reached the Stanley Cup Final last season. "He fits all the boxes we were looking for."
Bowman said he received "a lot of calls over the last 7-10 days" but only Nashville's really got his attention.
"Obviously it's hard to let a player like Ryan go," Bowman said, "but I felt we had two really high-value assets (coming to us)."
News of the trade reached players and coaches just as practice began at MB Ice Arena. Patrick Kane said he had 5-10 seconds to talk with Hartman on the phone and wish him luck.
"Always sad to see guys traded and a tough day for everyone," Kane said.
Said coach Joel Quenneville, who benched Hartman for taking a bad penalty in the first period of a 3-2 loss at Columbus on Saturday: "It might have been tough for him leaving Chicago. But at the same time, he's got to be excited about the chance with where he's going."
Efforts to reach Hartman were unsuccessful, but when I asked him last week what it would mean to leave his friends, he said: "I mean I don't really feel comfortable talking about that, to be honest with you."
Hartman, who makes $863,333, will be a restricted free agent this summer.
The Hawks drafted Hartman in 2013 with the 30th overall pick. After growing his game - and trying to become a more disciplined player during two full seasons in Rockford - Hartman got his big break last season and took advantage by scoring 19 goals.
His production took a hit this season - he scored eight times in 57 contests - but Hartman has been one of the few Hawks willing to consistently deliver a big hit or stick up for teammates who may have been wronged.
"He's so physical, he scores goals … he can do a little bit of everything," Jonathan Toews said. "That's the only thing I can really comment on is how much he'll be missed, and what type of player and a guy he is.
"Other than that, I don't really understand or see the whole picture right now. Obviously that will take shape as we go along. I'm sure management knows what it's doing."
Hawks fans certainly hope so.
Bowman talked about how excited he is that young players such as Nick Schmaltz, Alex DeBrincat, Vinnie Hinostroza and even the recently called-up Carl Dahlstrom have grown their game.
"They've sort of held up their end of the bargain and they're pushing for bigger roles," Bowman said. "Now the rest of us have to find a way to be better."
As for Hartman, he moves on to a team that figures to be good for years to come, and one that might be the favorite to come out of the Western Conference this postseason.
He tweeted out a message Monday night that thanked the Hawks and also looked to the future:
"First off I want to say thank you to the Chicago Blackhawks for a great couple of years and for drafting me in 2013. Getting drafted to my hometown team was a dream come true and I enjoyed every moment of it.
"Thank you to the fans, my teammates and family/friends for an amazing start to my career.
"I'm beyond excited to start a new journey with the Preds. Looking forward to playing in front of the passionate fans of Nashville and striving for that common end goal with my new teammates! #GoPreds"