It's okay to have wanted the Chicago Blackhawks to trade Ryan Donato or keep him

Some people just cannot handle that folks would dare point out the Chicago Blackhawks missed out on a chance to add more assets by not trading Ryan Donato.

There are some hardcore Donato fans out there.

Others cannot handle why the Hawks decided to keep a pending free agent when the trade market was kind to players producing less.

There are some hardcore fans obsessed with get more assets for the rebuild to get wrapped up quickly.

Guess what Blackhawks fans, it is okay to have opposing viewpoints on Donato.

I was fine with him being traded. I am fine with them keeping him so long as he signs an extension.

Judging by the reaction on X, it feels like some of you were personally insulted that this site dared to bring up that the Hawks could have added another first-round pick and more by trading Donato.

Look, wanting to keep Donato and having strong emotions to keep him are valid. The logic for not trading Donato is sound. Also, let's not act like he has reached sacred cow status.

It is fair to point out that the Blackhawks have plenty of draft picks. The Hawks could use a 28-year-old player, who even if this his career season, can still provide a lot of long-term value in other areas outside of scoring goals.

That is also why general manager Kyle Davidson could make such a high trade demand for his leading goal-scorer.

However, those preaching that Donato wants to stay here keep leaving one key point out--Donato has yet to sign an extension.

There is still a very real possibility he bolts in free agency for a bigger payday. Then he is lost for nothing since the team allowed for the opportunity to get something back pass when his value will likely never be at its highest.

That problem does have the possibility to be mute as Donato can still sign a contract extension at any point until the exclusive negotiating window expires in the offseason.

He can even test the free agent market and decide to return too.

Also, there is still one more window to deal that exclusive negotiating window if Donato informs the team he wants to test free agency or changes his mind with a different preferred destination. However, the return will likely be lower.

Again, all that was being pointed out is by adding another premium pick to the collection could be used in the offseason to trade for a premium player. Trading two first-rounders, instead of the extra one the Hawks currently have, can increase the Blackhawks chances of getting a deal done.

However, there is nothing wrong with liking Donato's game and wanting him to stay especially since he does so many things well. Plus, he is still in his 20s.

That is why the Blackhawks did nothing wrong by keeping him, but there is also nothing wrong for pointing out they missed an opportunity.