The Chicago Blackhawks have hit a standstill in contract negotiations with goal-scoring forward

Ryan Donato has done what other NHL veterans who were considered down and out in the league have done-rejuvenated his career.

This season, he'd find himself promoted from the fourth line to a 1st-line player, with power-play duties. He'd play a total of 80 games this season and score a career-high 62 points (31-31).

The first time the Boston, MA native hit 60 points in his career, and depending on how he negotiates, could end up with a slightly bigger payday.

His previous cap hit these past two years in Chicago was $2.0 million AAV, a total of $4.0 million. Now, it's reasonable for him to ask for more, considering how he's been playing lately.

But, we've been wondering when the team and Davidson will seal the deal in order to keep him in a Blackhawks uniform.

For now, it appears talks have stalled.

The Blackhawks' offense could be impacted if they don't end up re-signing the dynamic, net-crashing forward.

The only issue is where?

Donato grew organically in Chicago, but the issue of regression is always there. Especially if we look at a case like Jason Dickinson.

Who would shine brightly one year, and then burn out the next.

There's been speculation that he will earn a total of $4 million AAV on his next deal, and other sources believe it's closer to $2 million.