NHL: Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks Mar 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) hugs goaltender Spencer Knight after the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Chicago Blackhawks in talks with veteran center: Report

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 9:00 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be aggressive in adding talent in the offseason. The Blackhawks need to make progress under first-year head coach Jeff Blashill.

While Chicago isn’t expected to be a serious contender for a few seasons, the results of the last two seasons weren’t good enough. The Blackhawks finished with the league’s second-worst record in April.

Scott Powers of The Athletic reported on how the front office is gauging the market for this summer. Powers thinks the Blackhawks won’t try to outspend their competition for elite talent, but general manager Kyke Davidson could pull off trades for young players who have yet to sign new contracts with teams.

The Blackhawks will start with their roster first.

The Chicago Blackhawks are in talks to re-sign veteran

Per Powers, Chicago has had talks about re-signing veteran forward Ryan Donato, though the conversations haven’t gone anywhere yet.

“Donato and the Blackhawks have talked about a new contract since the season ended,” Powers wrote. “They haven’t come to an agreement yet, and time is obviously running out until Donato becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but there is still a chance he could sign with Chicago.

“The Blackhawks’ offseason plan would be slightly impacted if Donato doesn’t re-sign. They’d have to fill that spot and some of Donato’s offense elsewhere.”

Ryan Donato is coming off a career season

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) looks on during the warmups before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Donato, the No. 56 pick in the 2014 draft by the Boston Bruins, signed with Chicago in 2023 on a two-year deal worth $4 million. He appeared in 80 games for the Blackhawks last season, scoring 62 points on 31 goals and 31 assists.

The six-foot, 192-pound left-hander scored 30 points on 12 goals and 18 assists during his 78 appearances for Chicago in 2023-24.

Donato had his best career year last season, and he appears to want compensation for those efforts.

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins Apr 8, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic (72) and center Connor Bedard (98) and center Ryan Donato (8) talk on the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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