Chicago Blackhawks officially complete substantial $16M signing to kickstart the offseason

The Chicago Blackhawks have rewarded once, depth forward Ryan Donato with a $4 million deal over the next four years.

The deal is $16 million in total, paying the 62-point forward (31-31) a significant raise after a stellar season in 2024-2025. Working himself up the ranks on a rebuilding team isn't difficult, but Donato did more than just that; he posted career-highs in 2024-25 and proved he was worth keeping around.

Kyle Davidson knows Donato's worth as a player who can be slotted up and down the lineup and given special-teams duties, including the power-play.

Donato was a pending UFA as his prior 2-year, $2 million deal was going to expire at the end of the season.

Leaving him vulnerable to offers from other NHL organizations who are hungry for a player like Donato, who leaves it all on the ice every night.

Donato is a fan favorite who has worked himself up from the fourth line and has been a fixture on the top line with Connor Bedard this season.

Now, he'll help the team keep the momentum going as the youth movement continues to trickle in, year by year.

Donato was a 56th overall pick in the 2nd-round of the 2014 NHL Draft by his hometown Boston Bruins.

He signed his first contract with the Chicago Blackhawks during 2023-2024 free agency and has found a new home in the Windy City.