Ryan Donato is being traded and we know what the Blackhawks are receiving
Photo credit: Chicago Sun-Times
The Montreal Canadiens have surprised everyone this season, as they could be buyers this year with a chance to make the playoffs. Is Ryan Donato a target?
The Montreal Canadiens are an up-and-coming team still widely regarded as being in the rebuilding phase.
However, with the addition of Patrik Laine during the offseason, the team has found themselves in a playoff spot.
No NHL team is built perfectly from the foundation up otherwise, they wouldn't utilize trades or free agency to find the missing pieces.
Could GM Kent Hughes find the missing piece in Chicago with forward Ryan Donato?
The Canadiens are still fighting for a playoff spot. They are 6th in the Atlantic Division, with a record of 24-20-4.
With Ryan Donato's addition to the lineup, they could add a gritty forward, who was the Hawks' leading goal scorer.
This season, he's scored 28 points (14 G, 14 A) in 46 games for the Hawks.
The Value of Donato
What could the Blackhawks receive in return for Ryan Donato?
The Hockey Writers' Rob Couch believes Donato is worth a third-round pick.
While this is inexpensive for such a great depth forward, it'd be sad to see a great contributor traded.
But this is a business.
Overall, third round picks work out less often than not, but in the case of the Blackhawks over the last five years, it's surprisingly good. The third round picks since 2020 include Landon Slaggert, Wyatt Kaiser, Taige Harding, Gavin Hayes, Samuel Savoie, Aidan Thompson, Nick Lardis, Jiri Felcman, John Mustard, AJ Spellacy, and Jack Pridham.
The Blackhawks could receive another third-round pick for Donato. Interestingly, a third-round pick was also the return for Taylor Hall in the Carolina Hurricanes trade.
Donato's fierce mentality on the ice has garnered interest from teams around the league, and the Montreal Canadiens could be one potential destination for the depth forward.
Donato is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in July and would be an affordable rental with a salary of $2 million AAV.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 25 | 264 ANSWERS Ryan Donato is being traded and we know what the Blackhawks are receiving Would you trade forward Ryan Donato to the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 82 | 31.1 % |
| No | 182 | 68.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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