Blackhawks Bottom Line: Ryan Donato Proves to Be A Wise Pickup

Over the course of the next month, Chicago Hockey Now will be profiling every Chicago Blackhawks player from the 2023-24 season. Today will be forward Ryan Donato.

Ryan Donato
Forward
Games Played: 78
(Goals – Assists – Points): 12-18-30
Contract Status (2024-25): 1 season remaining; $2M AAV

The Short View

Donato was one of the Blackhawks most consistent forwards. In all but four games, he improved his numbers from last season, though slipped a bit in his goal scoring by two markers (12). However in a quirky little fact, it was Donato who opened the scoring for the Blackhawks this season, and would also record the final goal of the season for them.

Donato was a nice role player for the Blackhawks this season and could build on it with another strong season.

The Long View

Donato has just one year remaining and isn’t breaking the bank. But where he fits in likely depends on the season he has with a presumably stronger roster around him Donato held his own this season on a team that desperately needed goal scoring. He chipped in, good enough for seventh in points and sixth in goals. But it’s also no secret that general manager Kyle Davidson wants to begin really building out the roster in what will be. a crucial three-year clip from CHN’s perspective anyway.

Which brings us to the bottom line.

The Bottom Line

Next year’s roster will get more crowded and Donato is a lock unless the Blackhawks opt to trade him elsewhere which doesn’t seem like the move they’d make–yet. Perhaps a deadline deal seems likelier if they can pick up some capital for him that can be used later on.

Donato is a hard nosed, give-it-all type of player and kept driving no matter the score. One of the better examples was his goal against the San Jose Sharks  where despite a four-goal deficit early in the second, it was Donato grinding out a play and burying a goal on a second chance that would spearhead a wild five-goal comeback in the Blackhawks win. To hell with tanking–Donato encapsulated the effort needed to get the rally rolling.

Seth Jones talked about identity pieces and while Donato may not fall into that category, he’s one of those role players every team needs. Plays the right way, says the right things, and then lives by it on the ice. By the end of his contract next season, he’ll turn 29, which might be a bit outside the window Davidson has for those he’ll be building the team around.

Then again, if Donato is able to capitalize with more talent around him, he may be able to parlay it into another contract where that effort and drive is what keeps teams rolling–while also keeping guys on rosters, too.