Talent Analysis

Hartikainen is known for his leadership as well as gritty and physical play. He has good size and his willingness to get his hands dirty endears him to teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Often described as a ‘Tomas Holmstrom’-type player” for the way he battles all over the ice, especially in the corners and in front of the net, he is suited to play any number or roles on a team. His skating has long been described somewhere between ‘lacking’ and ‘atrocious,’ however it has improved immensely in the last couple years.


Future

Hartikainen has improved by leaps and bounds since being drafted, and there's a real chance his ceiling could be as high as a top six forward when all is said and done. In the near term however, he will likely make his living in a bottom six role, where his endless energy and physical style of play will make him an effective player and a pain in the ass to play against. There's a real chance he tops out as a physical role player who can contribute on the powerplay, especially in front of the net