While Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato has been pretty consistent over the years with his production, he hasn’t had much stability, lasting no longer than two seasons with each of his five NHL teams. It appears that trend may soon be continuing as Chris Johnston relays in his latest Trade Board for The Athletic (subscription link) that the 28-year-old is starting to attract some attention from other teams on the trade front.
Donato has put up at least 20 points in seven straight seasons now, including this one. While his career high in that department is 31 set back in 2021-22, he is well on his way to beating that. In 46 games so far with Chicago, he has 14 goals and 14 assists despite playing less than 15 minutes a night. On top of that, he has played down the middle more often than usual this season; that versatility will only help his trade value.
So too will a reasonable contract. Donato is in the final season of a two-year, $4MM deal signed back in 2023. That’s pretty good value for a player who currently sits third on the Blackhawks in points. The fact that Donato is having that success in more of a middle-six role should also be appealing as he’s likely to be in the bottom six on most contending teams where his 22 even-strength points will fit in well.
Considering Donato’s performance this season and the fact that Chicago is still trying to find the right mix of veterans to keep in the fold, there’s certainly a case to be made that the Blackhawks might be better off trying to re-sign him. Given how much he has bounced around, it’s possible he’d be interested in some stability in which case it might not cost considerably more to re-sign him.
But on the other hand, as someone who isn’t expected to be part of their long-term plans when their rebuild is completed, GM Kyle Davidson might simply elect to move him for the best possible offer, ensuring at least a return of some value for a low-risk addition just a year and a half ago. The Blackhawks have just one retention slot remaining following yesterday’s three-team swap so they could use it on Donato to make him affordable to even the most cap-strapped of teams which should only help his return. Either way, it looks like he’s a strong candidate to be moved by the March 7th deadline.
I actually think Ryan Donato would be someone Tampa would definitely look at for potential bottom-six depth. He brings solid secondary scoring, can play wing or center, brings some physicality with his game, has solid 5v5 production & has a low-end contract. In addition, being only 28 years of age, Tampa would extend him on a contract after the season if he plays well.
Ryan can fire the puck, great PP option!!
Maybe the Hawks could get Isaac Howard for Donato and maybe Maroon going back to the Lightning. Your thoughts everyone?
Donato for Howard?!? LOL! That’s not happening at all. Donato is worth a 3rd round pick at best. You don’t get a top-prospect like Howard (who’s currently in the running for the Hobey Baker Award) for a bottom-six player like Donato.
As for Maroon, he’s near the very end in his career as Tampa traded him a few years ago because he was declining. Maroon isn’t coming back to Tampa to play.
Nope. I love Ryan Donato. I think he’ worth a late second, or early third. But not Ike Howard.
Is the Hawks rebuild stalling? Or just going backwards? Either way, All the losing Isn’t good for a kid like Bedard, And when he gets wingers like Foligno, He has to wonder, What’s going on here! Will Chicago win another game this year?
I mean they only got bedard last year. Before that their best prospects were korchinski and Nazar, both looked good in ahl this year. Add levshunov.They get a top 4 pick this year. Maybe make a run at marner.
I would love to have him in Vegas.