Ryan Keyes Hartman Bio
Ryan Keyes Hartman (born September 20, 1994) is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League (NHL). Hartman was selected 30th overall in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks and made his NHL debut in 2015. He is notably the first NHL player born in South Carolina.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Hartman was born on September 20, 1994, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He was raised in West Dundee, Illinois, by his parents Craig and Kim Hartman. Growing up near Chicago, Hartman became a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks. He attended William Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois. Hartman began ice skating at age three and played minor hockey with Chicago-area teams, including the Chicago Mission, where he won several state championships and formed friendships with future NHL players Nick Schmaltz and Vinnie Hinostroza.
At age 15, Hartman joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP), prompting his family to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan. His father built an ice rink in their backyard to help him develop his shooting skills. During the 2011–12 NTDP season, Hartman scored 38 points in 55 games, ranking second on the team.
Path to Hockey
Initially committed to playing college hockey for the Miami RedHawks in NCAA Division I, Hartman later chose to play for the Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the 2012–13 season. He participated in the CHL Top Prospects Game and was selected for the gold-medal-winning American squad at the IIHF World U20 Championship. His strong performance established him as a top prospect, leading to his first-round selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Ryan Keyes Hartman Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Hartman signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on November 18, 2013. He made his NHL debut on February 13, 2015, against the New Jersey Devils. Early in his career, Hartman was known for his physical style of play and quickly earned a role as a bottom-six forward.
Chicago Blackhawks Breakthrough (2016–2018)
Hartman began the 2016–17 NHL season with the Blackhawks, who sought to leverage his physicality after trading Andrew Shaw. He scored his first NHL goal on October 12, 2016, against Jake Allen of the St. Louis Blues. On January 8, 2017, Hartman recorded his first career hat trick against the Nashville Predators. He finished the season with 19 goals and 12 assists. During the 2017–18 season, he played 57 games, scoring eight goals and 17 assists, primarily in a bottom-six role.
Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers (2018–2019)
On February 26, 2018, Hartman was traded to the Nashville Predators, where he appeared in 21 regular-season games, tallying three goals and three assists. He was suspended for one game during the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs for an illegal check. At the 2019 NHL trade deadline, Hartman was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, adding two goals and six points in 19 games as the Flyers missed the playoffs.
Minnesota Wild Era (2019–Present)
After a brief trade to the Dallas Stars in June 2019 and not receiving a qualifying offer, Hartman signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2019. He later signed a three-year, $5.1 million extension in April 2021 and a three-year, $12 million extension in October 2023. Hartman has been a key physical presence for the Wild, though his aggressive style has led to multiple suspensions, including a 10-game suspension in 2025 for an on-ice incident. Despite controversies, he remains an important forward for Minnesota.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hartman is known for his physical play, aggressive forechecking, and ability to use his strength effectively on the ice. His playing style suits a bottom-six forward role where he can disrupt opponents and provide energy. His partnership with various coaches and teams has focused on harnessing his physicality while improving his offensive contributions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hartman is the first NHL player born in South Carolina. He scored his first NHL goal in 2016 and recorded a hat trick in 2017. His career has included several suspensions related to his physical style, reflecting his reputation as an enforcer-type player. His contract extensions with the Minnesota Wild demonstrate his value to the team.
Ryan Keyes Hartman Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Ryan Hartman has contributed consistently as a physical forward and has scored multiple goals and assists across several teams. While not a prolific scorer, his role has been vital in team dynamics and depth scoring.
Chicago Blackhawks Highlights
Hartman’s first NHL goal came during the 2016–17 season opener. He achieved his first hat trick in January 2017 against the Nashville Predators. During his time with the Blackhawks, he developed into a reliable bottom-six forward known for his physicality and energy.
Other Wins & Performances
Hartman has also contributed offensively and physically during his stints with the Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Minnesota Wild. His international play includes gold medals with the United States at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships and the 2013 and 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Ryan Keyes Hartman Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hartman was raised in Illinois by his parents Craig and Kim Hartman. His younger brother Tanner Hartman plays collegiate hockey for the Brown Bears in the ECAC, continuing the family’s involvement in the sport.
Personal Life
Hartman played youth football alongside future NHL player Vinnie Hinostroza. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Hartman remains a key physical forward for the Minnesota Wild. He signed a three-year, $12 million contract extension in October 2023, reflecting the team’s confidence in his contributions. The season has included some disciplinary challenges, including a 10-game suspension for an on-ice incident. Despite this, Hartman continues to provide energy and toughness to the Wild’s lineup as they pursue playoff success.