Ryan Donato’s performance last season turned heads with his career-best season, sparking trade rumors and leaving fans anxious about his potential departure in free agency. While it may be challenging for him to replicate last year’s point total, teaming up with Connor Bedard again offers a chance for respectable results, possibly hitting the 30-point mark.
In the 2024-25 season, Donato achieved 62 points with the Blackhawks, a significant leap from his previous career-high of 31 points with the Seattle Kraken in 2021-22, where he famously scored the franchise’s first-ever goal. Donato’s success last season can be attributed to his dedication to improving his skating skills and logging substantial minutes alongside Bedard. His individual performance stood out with a Corsi of +1.64/60, compared to Bedard’s -4.24/60, indicating his ability to capitalize on opportunities, though some luck was involved as reflected by his elevated shooting percentage of 17.03%, beyond his career average of 11.1%.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Donato’s continued partnership with Bedard may once again boost his scoring, although perhaps not to last year’s heights. The Blackhawks retained Donato to maintain some scoring ability amidst a forward lineup that includes top players like Connor Bedard, Teuvo Teravainen, and Frank Nazar. However, the reliance on Donato emphasizes a lack of depth that raises concerns about the development trajectory in Bedard’s crucial third season.
Realistically, Donato might finish the season with a solid performance, potentially hitting just above 30 points. While there’s always the possibility of another breakout, a regression from last season’s peak is more likely. His role in a team lacking depth underscores the pressures faced by emerging stars like Bedard and signals the importance of team-building to support young talent’s growth effectively. The Blackhawks’ reliance on younger players highlights the ongoing need for team reinforcement as they strive for competitive success.