The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly close to finalizing a four-year contract extension worth $16 million with forward Ryan Donato. This development has been confirmed by multiple sources, including Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Scott Powers from The Athletic, and Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio. The Blackhawks themselves have also verified the agreement.
Donato enjoyed a breakout season in 2024-25, achieving a career-high of 62 points, which was a significant leap from his previous best of 31 points. As a key player during the season, he led the team in goals and ranked second in overall points. His impressive performance can be attributed in part to a remarkable 17.0 shooting percentage, although sustaining such a high percentage over several seasons may prove challenging.
Looking ahead, Donato is expected to maintain a top-six role on the team, evidenced by his average of over 16 minutes of ice time across 80 games. His scoring abilities were complemented by his participation on the second power-play unit, which contributed to him reaching the 30-goal milestone. The team’s strategy appears to involve bolstering their offensive talent through the addition of promising players like Oliver Moore, Landon Slaggert, and Frank Nazar, who may help create more opportunities for Donato.
One area of concern remains Donato’s faceoff percentage, sitting at 44.6%. To compensate, he displayed a tenacious playing style, not shying away from physical play with 104 hits, which ranked him third on the team. The Blackhawks’ decision to extend Donato underscores their appreciation not only for his offensive contributions but also for his physical presence on the ice.
With this contract extension, the Blackhawks are poised to continue building a competitive roster. They are expected to be one of the youngest teams in the NHL next season and will rely on veteran leadership while leveraging over $25 million in projected cap space to make additional acquisitions for their top-six. This move appears to mark a hopeful step forward as the franchise continues its efforts to strengthen the team’s performance and roster dynamics.