Blackhawks' veteran Pat Maroon demands that team management should make this one move at trade deadline

The Chicago Blackhawks and Ryan Donato could end up parting ways during the trade deadline if GM Kyle Davidson wants to keep his draft capital flush with wealth.

A 2nd-round pick wouldn't be a terrible return for a player like Donato who had a career year and has signed on with the Blackhawks for an affordable AAV at $2 million per year.

Now, a pending UFA Donato could be traded or re-signed as many Hawks fans think they should keep the veteran around.

And who can blame him, he scored another goal tonight against the Ottawa Senators, the 100th of his career.

Now Pat Maroon wants to see him stay.

Who can disagree?

Tonight he scored his 23rd goal of the year against Brady Tkachuk and the Senators in a spirited bout, which ended with a 4-3 loss.

The Hawks would gain a point tonight, but it wouldn't be enough to move the needle in the rankings. This gives us pause about Donato's future in Chicago, if the team isn't doing well, they should be selling their veterans, like New York.

It's unfortunate to consider moving a 46-point player like Donato, but he doesn't fit the rebuild timeline at all.

Even if Pat Maroon wants to see him stay. While it's not a bad idea he could maybe re-sign for another year as long as he's not blocking another prospect's path in the NHL.

But it's doubtful he will remain the kind of forward we're seeing now, much like Jason Dickinson in 2023-2024.

Now injured, and back to being a defensive winger in the lineup.

The Blackhawks have a tough decision to make, and unfortunately Pat Maroon's influence doesn't extend to the front office like he hopes.