After putting one a remarkable NHL season, one star teammate of Connor Bedard in the Chicago Blackhawks could be shipped off to a contender as the Stanley Cup Playoffs loom closer.
The Blackhawks have had a season to forget—though they’ll hardly be able to. As the Original Six franchise remains stuck at the bottom of the NHL standings, there aren’t many positives to take away from this campaign.
Moreover, one of the brightest spots on the roster could see his time with Bedard and the Blackhawks cut short, as multiple contenders are reportedly looking to acquire him ahead of the playoffs.
Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato, pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the offseason, has put on a sensational season during his contract year, and has caught the eye from every powerhouse in the NHL.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on prior to the game against the Vancouver Canucks at the United Center on October 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Several franchises have checked in with the Blackhawks about Ryan Donato, according to reports from NHL insider Kevin Weekes. “They like [Donato’s] versatility, compete level and price,” Weekes said.
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Breakout year
Donato joined Bedard and Chicago ahead of the 2023-24 season, but his production didn’t skyrockey until this campaign. Through 58 games, Donato tallies 21 goals, 22 assists, and 43 points.
Despite being shuffled around the lineup, playing on the fourth line during a vast stretch of the year, the 28-year-old found a rhythm with the Hawks, and could now be making the jump to a contender ahead of the postseason.
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.
One last dance?
As trade talks surrounding Donato intensify ahead of the deadline, interim coach Anders Sorensen has opted to keep him on the third line alongside Teuvo Teravainen and Ilya Mikheyev. Donato last played on the top line with Bedard during the Blackhawks’ 4-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 28.
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With the Teravainen-Donato-Mikheyev line finding consistent success, it seems unlikely that Donato will play alongside the 19-year-old superstar before the trade deadline. And after that, who knows if Donato will still be in Windy City?
