Chicago Blackhawks sign 31-goal scorer: Management now holds him to high expectations
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The Chicago Blackhawks re-signed Ryan Donato after he posted a career-best 62 points (31G, 31A) this year, and his expectations will be high going forward.
While the Chicago Blackhawks came nowhere near to getting a postseason spot this year, they did get better than expected production from forward Ryan Donato.
Donato had a career-best 62 points (31G, 31A) and, while he was reported as being a candidate at the Trade Deadline, the Blackhawks kept him and then signed him to a 4 year extension with an AAV (average annual value) of $4 million.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson referred to Donato as someone with high energy and a crucial part of their team going forward.
Ryan brings energy and competes hard every game which has been a huge asset to our team over the last two seasons. 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.
Because Donato broke out in such a way this year, expectations for him will be higher going forward.
Ryan Donato must keep up the good work for Chicago
The Blackhawks are not expected to realistically compete for a playoff spot this year, but they did add former Stanley Cup winner Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken, and they hired Jeff Blashill as their new full-time head coach; former interim Anders Sorensen will remain on as an assistant.
Connor Bedard may be the face of the franchise, but the Blackhawks are now getting considerable contributions from Donato, who must keep up the pace if he is to prove to Chicago brass that he was worth signing the contract.
Previously on HawksInsider
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