Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Dominic Toninato

Dominic Toninato was called up a few different times by the Blackhawks last season, but did not contribute at a high level. Skating on the fourth line in just eight games does not create many offensive opportunities. However, just one assist in those games showed that Toninato had little impact. However, we love a player who wins 55% of his face-offs.

Remember, Toninato was expected to serve as depth, and he did exactly that. With nearly 200 games of NHL experience, the veteran was very productive with AHL Rockford, posting 43 points (16 goals, 27 assists) in just 52 games. Toninato will likely be in an exact role next season, serving as a 14th forward of sorts in the event of numerous injuries, while serving as a veteran presence alongside Brett Seney in Rockford.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: C-

Just like with Andrew Mangiapane, there’s not a whole lot to say about Dominic Toninato. In eight games this year, he had one assist. He played fine for a fourth-line role. Toninato wasn’t obnoxiously bad or anything, but he was just kind of…there. An extra body, mostly a healthy scratch. It was another season in the shadows for the fringe NHLer.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: C

We didn’t see much of Toninato at the NHL level; in fact, we only saw him play in eight games. In that span, he found the scoresheet just once with an assist. For his role, veteran depth, that’s pretty much what was expected. C.

Ron Luce’s Grade: C

Dominic Toninato was brought in to serve as organizational depth, and frankly, he did a great job at that. He only suited up for eight games, tallying a single assist in that time frame. However, the veteran was great in Rockford, posting 16 goals and 27 assists in 52 AHL games. In the NHL, he didn’t do much, but he served in his role. A C grade feels fine for Toninato.

What’s On Tap Next?

With the expectation that Dominic Toninato will be organizational depth, the only way he is in the NHL is if there are a lot of injuries. The Blackhawks are expected to add more forwards this offseason, clouding the opportunity for Toninato to see NHL time. That said, it’s nice having an NHL veteran in Rockford helping the youngsters and serving as a “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” player.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Dominic Toninato? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

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