Blackhawks Player Grades: Ryan Donato

Entering the season, Ryan Donato's career high totals for goals and points were 16 and 31, respectively. In 2024-25, Donato doubled both of those totals, posting 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points. After some struggles early in the season, Donato showed that he was capable of being one of the top producers on the team. 

Donato not only had a strong season on the scoresheet, he continued to do the gritty things he did in his first season with the Hawks. Donato posted 104 hits for the second straight season, was better with the puck by having 48 takeaways compared to just 23 giveaways, and he played a career-high 16:19 on average. Donato truly had a career season on all fronts at the best possible time. 

With free agency on the horizon and a rising salary cap, Donato should be in line for a reasonable pay day this summer. As notable names in the market get locked up by their current teams, Donato will rise to the top of the list of available players. Perhaps some team is willing to give him somewhere between $5.5 million and $7 million per season with term. If so, his 2024-25 season will have singlehandedly made him more money than his entire career to this point. 

Player Grades

Steve Kwiatkowski's Grade: A+

Ryan Donato had a career year. 31 goals and 62 points in 80 games is an accomplishment. And let's not forget that at the start of the season there were talks about Donato maybe getting the boot to Rockford. But it's beyond the offense that he brought on the ice, I think his character is commendable as well. 

Tony Marchese's Grade: A+

It is very hard to argue that anyone in the Blackhawks forward group had a better season than Ryan Donato. Playing in a contract year, Donato finished second overall in points on the Blackhawks with 62, trailing only Connor Bedard, and led the team with 31 goals. Toss a hat trick performance in there, alongside three game-winning goals and that is a hell of a season for the 29-year-old from Boston. It was quite shocking to some that he wasn't moved at the NHL Trade Deadline given his contract status, and is currently set to enter free agency this summer. Here's to hoping he is back in the Indianhead sweater when the puck drops next season.

Ron Luce's Grade: A+

How do you earn a lot of money in a contract year? The answer: do what Ryan Donato did this season. Donato set career highs in every statistical category, and posted his first 30-goal season. Leading the team with 31 tucks, Donato is in line for a pretty nice payday, especially in a free agency market that will age well given the rising salary cap. If that's the case, the reported three-year, sub-$4 million AAV offer the Blackhawks have on the table will not be enough to keep Donato in the Windy City. That said, that money can be used toward another middle-six scorer and potentially a top-line player to pair with Connor Bedard. Still, a great season deserves a great grade. 

What's On Tap Next?

With Donato's future in the NHL likely continuing in another city other than Chicago, the winger had two of his best seasons in Chicago. The 2024-25 season was the icing on the cake. Who knows, if the Hawks and Donato's camp can come to terms, he may have an opportunity to help the Hawks turn things around in the coming seasons. 

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