As a pending unrestricted free agent, there has been an expectation that the Blackhawks would be moving forward Ryan Donato before today’s 2 PM CT trade deadline. However, that might not be the case, as Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic reports (Twitter link) that the two sides are discussing a potential contract extension. Even if an agreement on that front can’t be reached, LeBrun adds that teams have been told that Chicago won’t move him unless they’re blown away with an offer.
The 28-year-old is in the midst of a career year, tallying 23 goals and 23 assists in 60 games, buoyed by a 16.9 shooting percentage. By comparison, his previous personal best in points in a season was 31. Perhaps more impressively is that he has done so without a dramatic jump in playing time as Donato is logging just 15:30 per night.
Donato is in the final season of a two-year, $4MM contract signed with Chicago after Seattle non-tendered him back in 2022 to avoid giving him salary arbitration eligibility. With the year he’s having, Donato appears to be well on his way to potentially doubling his current price tag if not more on his next deal.
In the meantime, GM Kyle Davidson has set a high asking price for Donato’s services. Earlier this week, as relayed by All CHGO’s Mario Tirabassi, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported that the Blackhawks are seeking a first-round pick to move Donato. While that might seem lofty given his overall track record of being more than a depth scorer, Donato has been a legitimate top-six forward this season and his price tag from a salary cap perspective is much cheaper than many of the other top-six options out there. Notably, Chicago has used its three retention slots so they won’t be able to pay down any of the contract to help facilitate a move.
Clearly, Chicago’s preference is to get Donato locked up to a new deal but even if that doesn’t happen, it appears as if there’s at least a chance he’ll remain with the Blackhawks for at least the rest of the season.
Donato has never been a particularly integral part of any team he’s played with (and he’s been through five teams before age 30), so I don’t think GMs will be fooled by that 17% shooting % (which is the only way he reaches the 20-goal plateau.)
GMs are fooled by shiny objects all the time.
One thing about shooting percentage — it gets used a lot to suggest a player’s success is not quite real, the puck just has been going in for him, he’s been lucky . . .
But Donato has improved his skating this year, and he’s used it to get very aggressive in attacking the nets and creating his own shots. I wonder what the underlying stats look like for things like expected goals and quality of scoring chances because he is working to put himself into those positions. Scouts can see that.
Now, ice time is a factor that has to be considered, too . . .
At least it’s snowing in Chicago on deadline day. Fitting.
no, trade him
Extending him is the right way to go. They need to build now and attract big time free agents this offseason.
Keeping him willl help do that as well as continue to help the young kids. Everyone raves about his work ethic (reason for his improvement), attitude and professionalism. This is a guy you keep if you’re serious about building a winner.
Another guy having a career year in contract season. Buyer beware.
Take the draft pick and re sign him if you want. What’s there to think about? C’mon
and if he wants.
Then it’s like Slapshot. Get a penalty, Go to da box, Be ashamed, Den be free. I don’t think this is the move that kills the rebuild if he doesn’t come back. His banishment to Canada, Their refusal to accept him, Ogletorp?