Winds of change are blowing through the Windy City ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. After Jeff Blashill’s introduction to the Chicago Blackhawks, the organization in Chi-town made a strong statement by re-signing one key teammate of Connor Bedard.
The Blackhawks need all the help they can get at the moment. Bedard and company have yet to find their best version, though they have taken firm steps in the right direction near the end of the past NHL season. It was far from enough for fans in Chi-town, but a beacon of hope, nevertheless.
Although Blashill is now in charge, Chicago will look to follow a similar route in the 2025-26 campaign. In order to do that, they decided to bring back one of the most pleasant surprises from last season: Ryan Donato.
According to The Athletic’s Scott Powers, the Blackhawks have re-signed Donato to a a four-year extension with a $4 million cap hit.
Ryan Donato #8 and Craig Smith #15 of the Chicago Blackhawks arrive inside Wrigley Field prior to the 2024 NHL Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues on December 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Donato had a breakout season as a 28-year-old in the league, recording 62 points (31G and 31A) in 80 appearances. After such an impressive year amid an overall rough season, the Blackhawks made keeping him in town a priority for the offseason.
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It wasn’t in vain
Chicago had forgone its chance to trade Donato during the last NHL trade deadline, where several playoff teams had shown interest. Thus, after keeping the soon-to-be UFA on the lineup, the Blackhawks couldn’t let him walk away as an unrestricted free agent.
Donato and the Hawks’ minds were aligned, as both looked forward to an extension after such a promising campaign by the centerman. Now, Chicago secured key help for Bedard, who will enter his third NHL season on October 2025.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks lines up for a face of against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at the Amalie Arena on November 9, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.
Look at me now
Mixed feelings invaded the Blackhawks’ facilities after watching former blueliner Seth Jones hoist the Stanley Cup with his new teammates on the Florida Panthers.
On the one hand, Chicago feels joy for its former star, even though his time with the organization wasn’t particularly memorable. On the other hand, they can’t help but feel some distress as they’ve watched Jones blossom into a top player on a different team. Still, not even the most optimistic mind in Chicago believes Jones could’ve achieved what he did had he stayed with the Blackhawks.
Regardless, Bedard and Chicago couldn’t help but wonder what could’ve been had Jones never asked for a trade out. It might be useless — like crying over spilled milk, though. Jones moved on, and so should the Blackhawks. However, he was reminded of the trade by fans during the Stanley Cup celebrations, where Chicago was mocked with an ironic chant: “Thank you, Blackhawks”.
