The Carolina Hurricanes are heading into the 2025-2026 offseason with a clear mandate: improve the team and contend for the Stanley Cup. After falling short in the Eastern Conference Final, Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky has stated the organization is willing to spend to the salary cap if it means making the team better. While the Hurricanes have a strong core in place, there are areas where they need to improve, including scoring depth and power-play efficiency. One potential target to address these needs is forward Ryan Donato.

Donato is coming off a career year with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he recorded 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points. Those 31 goals would have ranked second on the Hurricanes this past season. Donato's performance on a rebuilding Blackhawks team demonstrates his potential to contribute even more on a contending team like the Hurricanes.

One of the primary questions surrounding Donato is whether he can replicate his career year. Donato's versatility is another appealing factor. He can play both center and wing, providing flexibility for head coach Rod Brind'Amour in constructing his lines. Donato averaged just over 16 minutes of ice time per game and had a 17% shooting percentage this season, also contributing five power-play goals and 14 power-play points. Adding him to the second power-play unit could provide a boost to a Hurricanes team that ranked 25th in the league on the power play.

Donato's age (29) aligns well with the Hurricanes' current window of contention. He could potentially fit into the second line alongside players like Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svechnikov. Furthermore, Donato has prior experience playing with Taylor Hall in Chicago, who is now signed with the Hurricanes, potentially easing his transition into the team's system and style of play.

The Hurricanes have a solid base to work with this offseason. They have 11 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies already under contract for the 2025-2026 season. With a projected salary cap of $92.4 million, the Hurricanes have significant cap space to work with. This financial flexibility allows them to pursue players like Donato and address other needs on their roster.

While the Hurricanes have several options to consider this offseason, Donato presents an intriguing opportunity to add scoring depth and versatility to their forward group. His career year in Chicago suggests he could be a valuable asset to a contending team, and his ability to play multiple positions and contribute on the power play makes him a good fit for the Hurricanes' needs.