Ryan Donato Potential Return, Trade Scenario, Should He Be Traded And More

Ryan Donato has had a career year with the Chicago Blackhawks. He's worked his way up to the first line and onto the power-play unit.

He's scored 37 points (19 G, 18 A) and has been a driver of offense for the team.

As the rebuild takes another step forward, what should GM Kyle Davidson do with the Donato, when it comes to long-term planning?

There's a bit of a conundrum here, as Donato's trade value is at the highest it's been during his career. And at 28, this is a year that's past his prime, he could technically fall off a cliff like Jason Dickinson did this season.

They could choose to extend him and keep him around beyond the peak of the rebuild, as a veteran who can help mentor and stabilize the younger players as they arrive.

The Blackhawks will have to keep that in mind, as the salary rises, and the amount of money Donato can ask for in the postseason increases to $5 million.

With a chance of his shooting percentage regressing from 15% to 10%, it's best not to keep him beyond what the team can afford.

What could GM Kyle Davidson realistically get for someone like Donato, who could cost upwards of $5 million AAV if he's extended?

The speculation is that Donato could fetch a third-round pick, the same kind of return we saw the Blackhawks get for Taylor Hall.

Whether or not Kyle Davidson decided to extend Donato is an option to consider, but with new blood trickling in, they should sign him to a length that won't harm the rebuild.

Two years at the most, and keep him as a piece on the roster that can play up and down the lineup.

In the meantime, there are plenty of contending teams that would love to have Donato in the lineup.

Stockpiling draft picks isn't a bad idea if you can get a good return for them. Donato either way will contribute to the Blackhawks' future with offense, or help the team snatch a future NHLer.