Ryan Donato signs four-year contract extension with Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday that forward Ryan Donato had signed a four-year contract, keeping the Hawks' leading goal scorer in Chicago.

Donato, who was set to hit free agency on July 1, was rumored to test the free agent market. The 29-year-old forward had an impressive season in Chicago this past year. Donato registered 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points in 80 games with Chicago. It was Donato's most impressive season in the NHL.

Donato has played in Chicago for two years after signing with the Blackhawks in July 2023. The former 2014 second-round pick by the Boston Bruins has played for several teams over the years, including the Bruins, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and Seattle Kraken.

Donato's new contract marks the longest deal he has ever signed, giving the forward some certainty about his future. It seems general manager Kyle Davidson and Donato's agent Matt Keator were able to find the middle ground with this contract.

For Donato, a four-year $16 million contract carrying a cap hit of $4 million a year is a major increase from his previous deals. Coming off his best season, Donato probably could have gotten more money in free agency, but it is obvious that Donato was comfortable in Chicago.

Extending Ryan Donato is almost a free-agent signing in itself for the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks almost lost Donato to free agency. With the two parties not coming to an agreement by the time of the trade deadline, it seemed like Donato was going to be heading to a new team.

Yet here we are, Ryan Donato has signed a four-year extension, and the Blackhawks now have a major piece of their top six committed to a very fair deal for both sides. If Donato fails to replicate the success of last season, four million a year still is a fine number for a middle-six forward capable of playing in all situations.

If Donato does continue to perform offensively playing alongside Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar, then four million a year is going to be a great deal for Chicago—especially with the rising salary cap.