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“Ryan brings energy and competes hard every
game which has been a huge asset to our team over the last two
seasons,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a
statement. “He’s been a crucial part of our offense, and we’re
excited for Ryan to continue to make a difference in our lineup
for the next four years.”
The 29-year-old Donato is coming off a breakout performance. He
set career highs with 31 goals and 31 assists in 80 games this
season. His previous career bests were 16 goals in 2021-22 with
Seattle and 18 assists in his first season with Chicago.
Donato's camp had conversations with the team about a new
contract ahead of the trade deadline, but the sides weren't able
to finish the job. The Blackhawks ended up holding onto Donato
through the deadline.
“We did have a rapid discussion around then, and it didn’t get
done, but I wouldn’t say there’s a hurdle or anything like
that,” Davidson said during the team's end-of-season
availability with reporters in April. “Once you get past the
deadline, everyone takes a little breather, and then you’re near
the end of the season. I think things will pick up now that
we’re through the year.”
Donato's contract answers one major question for Chicago as it
tries to move back into contention after years of losing. The
Blackhawks went 25-46-11 this past season, finishing last in the
Central Division and No. 31 overall in the NHL.
Donato, a Boston native and Harvard University product, has 108
goals and 119 assists in 483 career games, also playing for the
Bruins, Wild and Sharks. He joined the Blackhawks when he signed
a $4 million, two-year contract with the team in 2023.
“We have obviously a super bright future here, and there’s going
to be guys that make tremendous gains this summer that help the
team, you know, win more games,” Donato said in April. “And I
think Blackhawks fans and a lot of people are going to be
surprised how quickly things can turn.”
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