There's no such thing as a team without a rookie (okay, maybe there is, but that's not fun). As we saw during World Cup's 24U team, Team North America, young hockey pushes the game to evolve and encourages on-ice creativity and innovation. The youth represent what's in store for the next few seasons. Their production is a projection of the future.

And the Blackhawks rookies? They're no exception. Ryan Hartman leads the lovingly dubbed "Channel 4" of rookie forwards, proving his right to an Indian Head sweater.

Born in South Carolina but raised in West Dundee, part of the greater Chicago area, Hartzy's been deemed one of our hometown boys. Growing up watching and rooting for the Hawks, Hartman played for local Illinois teams before playing for the Chicago Mission, the US National Development Team, and the CHL's Plymouth Whalers. While playing for the Mission, Hartman actually played alongside his would-be fellow rookies and linemates, Nick Schmaltz and Vinnie Hinostroza. Years later, the boys would be reigniting that same chemistry on United Center ice.

Hartman hung around with the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks' AHL team for three seasons, including a short call-up in the 2014-2015 season. He compared himself to the style of Andrew Shaw, as an agitator that has enough skill to be a regular goal-scorer. He's proved both sides in his rookie season, achieving a total of thirteen even-strength goals, tied in third with the Toronto Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner. Additionally, he's proven himself in the glove-dropping department, especially in a notable fight with the St Louis Blues' Ryan Reaves, a well-known fighter in the league.

He called him an ogre and it was kind of iconic.

Hartman also got his first career hat trick this January in a grandiose win against the Nashville Predators, the third goal an empty-netter in the final seconds of play.

Ryan Hartman has had some rough patches throughout the season, especially when it comes to taking stupid penalties. Combined with the Hawks' terrible Penalty Kill, he's worked hard to tone it down. After all, the Blackhawks have always been a team that values pure skill over brute force.

The Blackhawks rookies are taking on the hockey world. They might not be the first-overalls like Matthews and McDavid, but they've got Stanley Cup Champion mentors and a lot of love to go around. Decline isn't going to settle with the Hawks any time soon, not with Hartman and the rest of our rookies around to keep the team contending.