The Next Blackhawk Gone After Seth Jones Has Been Revealed
Photo credit: Chicago Sun-Times
The Chicago Blackhawks have found their next trade asset to move after Seth Jones, and that is 20+ goal scorer Ryan Donato.
Ryan Donato started off his career in Chicago as a gritty, depth forward. He's the kind of forward who is not afraid to crash the net and play the game full of heart.
It's paid off for him this season, as he's scored 21 goals, and two of those were last night against the Anaheim Ducks.
Now that the trades have begun to trickle in, it's easy to assume he could be next to be moved.
Not only would contending teams be interested in Donato, but he's played some of his best hockey in his career in Chicago.
Anders Sorensen has found him as a reliable forward, unlike Luke Richardson who primarily kept him on the fourth line.
Donato has been leaned on and played first line minutes a lot and has played on the top power play for most of the season.
While it's unlikely Donato's salary could be retained by the Blackhawks, his affordable $2 million cap hit makes him an easy move.
A contending team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, or Edmonton Oilers should look into retaining his services.
If he provides the kind of play needed for the team discuss a possible extension before July 1st in order to keep him happy, and on the roster instead of walking to free agency.
In 58 games for the Blackhawks this season, he's come from behind to provide 43 points (21 G, 22 A) in a season that has seen him steal headlines from even Connor Bedard.
The Chicago Blackhawks have to utilize the assets they have in order to push the rebuild forward.
It'll be sad to see him exit the organization, but Donato would be useful on a team that needs secondary scoring.
And right now, it's not the Chicago Blackhawks who are 2-3 years from competing for a Stanley Cup.
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