Ryan Donato may be on the move from the Blackhawks sooner than later.
Ryan Donato may be the Chicago Blackhawks' best trade piece this season. He definitely is among players that are seen as rentals on expiring contracts. His cap hit and effectiveness throughout the lineup has really boosted his value this season where the Blackhawks are 31st in the league.
Bruce Garrioch reported that Donato is one of the names that the Ottawa Senators have identified as a trade target this season.
Donato has just a $2 million AAV cap hit for the remainder of the season and has most recently played on the top line with Connor Bedard. Wherever the 28-year-old is slotted in the lineup, he has performed. He is tied for second on the team in goals (15) and is third on the team in points (30) through 50 games played and while averaging just 14:47 of ice time per game.
Donato is a player that a team knows exactly what they're getting. He's physical and can play all forward positions. He tied his career high in points already and is one goal and three assists from career highs there as well.
The Senators have seemingly finally taken that step forward as they are eight games over .500, have won four games in a row, and hold third place in the Atlantic Division. Players seem to be on the move already as a number of trades have been made around the league. This means less options for Ottawa to bolster their lineup ahead of the trade deadline.
The Senators have played themselves into a spot where they deserve some upgrades to not help them get into the playoffs this season, but a chance to go on a run. With Nick Cousins having knee surgery and his expected timeline to return being 6-8 weeks, adding a piece soon is in their best interest.
It was reported earlier that the trade value of both Donato and Taylor Hall would be a third round pick. After Hall was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, Elliotte Friedman reported that the veteran's trade value was in fact lower than a third round pick. Could Donato turn out the same? I don't believe so as his cap hit is 1/3 of Hall's and Donato has been more productive as well as versatile.
Donato can play anywhere in the Senators' lineup if acquired and provides some solid secondary scoring. He has been able to score for every team he's played for, and with his physical style of play combined with his offensive talent, Ottawa would be getting a great piece heading into what they expect to be their first playoff appearance since 2017.
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