The Chicago Blackhawks will make room for one of their top forwards from this past season. News emerged that Ryan Donato has signed a contract to stay in the Windy City. This deal is worth $16 million and runs through the end of the 2028-29 season. The new deal carries an average cap hit of $4 million per season.
FOUR MORE YEARS OF RYAN DONATO
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— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 18, 2025
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Ryan Donato Signed to New Deal
Donato has played for the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken and the Blackhawks over his eight-year NHL career. The 28-year-old had 31 goals and 31assists for 62 points in 80 games this season. He had a Corsi for of 49.5 and a relative Corsi of 8.0.
The Boston native has 108 goals and 119 assists for 227 points in 483 career games. Boston originally drafted Donato in the second round, 56th overall of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Donato is also the son of former NHLer and current Harvard University head coach Ted Donato.
The younger Donato has represented his native United States on the international level. Donato won bronze at the 2016 IIHF World Juniors and also earned a bronze at the 2021 World Championships. He was also part of the 2018 Winter Olympic team. Donato also has the first player to score a goal in Kraken team history.
What it Means
Donato played well this season and eclipsed his career-high goals. There were few bright spots on the Blackhawks this season. However, Donato’s play definitely was one of those bright spots.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson was active at the past deadline in dealing Taylor Hall or Seth Joness. However, Donato can now try his luck in a new starring role with his club.
The Hawks know what they’re getting. He’s solid player that is good at both ends of the ice. He’s versatile and is going to make a solid depth addition. Donato’s strong season landed him a nice new deal in the summer.
Main photo by: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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