The Chicago Blackhawks have made a significant move to secure their offensive core, announcing a four-year contract extension with forward Ryan Donato on June 18, 2025. The deal, which runs through the 2028-29 season, carries an average annual value (AAV) of $4 million, representing a total commitment of $16 million. This extension ensures that Donato, who was slated to become an unrestricted free agent, will remain a key part of the Blackhawks' roster for the foreseeable future.

General Manager Kyle Davidson expressed his enthusiasm about the signing, stating, "Ryan brings energy and competes hard every game, which has been a huge asset to our team over the last two seasons. He's been a crucial part of our offense, and we're excited for Ryan to continue to make a difference in our lineup for the next four years."

Donato, 29, is coming off a career year with the Blackhawks. During the 2024-25 season, he posted personal bests in several categories, including goals (31), assists (31), points (62), power-play goals (5), and game-winning goals (3). His 31 goals led the team, while his 62 points ranked second, and 31 assists ranked third among all Blackhawks skaters. He also contributed defensively, registering 104 hits. A highlight of his season was a four-point performance against the Nashville Predators in February, where he scored two goals and two assists, marking his 200th career NHL point.

Donato's journey to Chicago includes stops with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and Seattle Kraken. Originally drafted by the Bruins in the second round (56th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, the Boston native has accumulated 227 points (108 goals, 119 assists) in 483 regular-season games. He has also participated in three Stanley Cup Playoff runs, recording two assists in 19 postseason games.

This signing comes at a crucial time for the Blackhawks, who are in the midst of a rebuild. Securing a player like Donato, who has proven his ability to contribute offensively and bring energy to the team, is a positive step forward. With the NHL Draft approaching, the Blackhawks, who hold the No. 3 overall pick, can now focus their attention on adding more promising talent to their roster. Other recent moves by the Blackhawks include the hiring of Jeff Blashill as head coach.

While Donato's recent shooting percentage of 17.0% is higher than his career average of 11.1%, suggesting a possible regression, his consistent performance and value as a reliable middle-six forward make him a worthwhile investment for the Blackhawks.