Ryan Hartman should be suspended for a late-game hit that hurt Oilers’ Evan Bouchard.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Ryan Hartman’s late-game hit on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard has sparked calls for action from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. With less than four minutes remaining in a lopsided 6-1 game, Hartman delivered a questionable hit that left Bouchard shaken, limping to the bench.

The incident occurred when a puck was dumped into the Oilers’ zone, prompting a chase by Hartman and Bouchard. As the puck rebounded off the boards, Bouchard gained the inside track near the Oilers’ net. Before either player could gain possession, Hartman made contact, driving his left knee into Bouchard’s right. The collision sent Bouchard spinning into the post and boards, appearing to hit his head and shoulder in the process. Though he eventually made his way to the bench, he was clearly struggling with a lower-body issue.

Minnesota maintained possession and continued cycling the puck while Bouchard attempted to recover. Postgame, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch refrained from speculating on the severity of Bouchard’s injury, stating the team would assess further after returning home. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff later reported that while Bouchard was sore and had a slight limp, he seemed to have avoided a more serious injury.

A Pattern of Recklessness

Hartman’s hit on Bouchard is the latest in a series of questionable plays throughout his career. The forward has a long history with the NHL’s discipline department, including seven fines and four suspensions totaling seven games. Notable incidents include:

April 19, 2018: One-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head

April 12, 2023: One-game suspension for interference

November 27, 2023: Two-game suspension for tripping

April 1, 2024: Three-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct

The league has previously cited Hartman’s “intentional nature” in its rulings, highlighting his repeated disregard for player safety. His hit on Bouchard fits this narrative, raising questions about intent given the timing and location of the contact.

Potential Retaliation?

Some speculate Hartman’s actions may have stemmed from frustration or lingering animosity. Just weeks earlier, Oilers forward Drake Caggiula was involved in a knee-on-knee collision with Wild star Kirill Kaprizov. While Kaprizov returned to finish that game, the incident may have left Hartman seeking retribution.

Regardless of motive, Hartman’s hit placed Bouchard in a vulnerable position near the post and goaltender Calvin Pickard. Whether or not the play was retaliatory, the timing and execution warrant further scrutiny by the league.

Hockey’s speed and physicality often lead to unintentional injuries, but Hartman’s track record suggests a pattern of reckless behavior that cannot be ignored. For the NHL to uphold its commitment to player safety, this incident demands a thorough review—and potentially, another suspension for Hartman.