The Nashville Predators have acquired forward Ryan Hartman from the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Predators also get a fifth-round pick (2018) from Chicago in the deal, sending a 2018 first-round pick, a 2018 fourth-round pick, and forward prospect Victor Ejdsell to the Blackhawks in return.
Hartman, who himself was a first-round selection (30th overall) of the Blackhawks back in 2013, established himself as a full-time NHLer in 2016-17, registering 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points in 76 games. He has eight goals and 17 assists through 57 games this season, with five multi-point games including a five-point season-opener.
The 23-year-old forward has garnered plenty of attention from several playoff-bound teams looking for affordable scoring depth on the wing. Hartman will be a restricted free agent on July 1.
Selling at the deadline is a new look for Chicago, currently sitting in last place in the Central Division. The club has made the post-season for the past nine consecutive seasons, winning the Stanley Cup three times in that stretch.
The Predators, meanwhile, lead the division and are heavy favourites to make a deep playoff run this year after losing in the Stanley Cup Final last spring.
