CHICAGO — Ryan Donato isn’t going anywhere — and that’s just how both sides wanted it.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced Wednesday they’ve signed the 29-year-old forward to a four-year, $16 million contract, avoiding unrestricted free agency and locking in a key piece of their offensive core as the team looks to climb back into contention.
“Ryan brings energy and competes hard every game, which has been a huge asset to our team over the last two seasons,” said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson in a statement. “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, who joined the Blackhawks on a two-year, $4 million deal in 2023, is coming off the best season of his seven-year NHL career. The Harvard product posted career highs in both goals (31) and assists (31) across 80 games in 2024-25, more than doubling his previous best goal tally set with Seattle in 2021-22.
Contract Talks Delayed, but Mutual Interest Never Wavered
The two sides had preliminary discussions about a new deal before the trade deadline, but talks stalled without a deal in place. Still, the Blackhawks chose to keep Donato at the deadline, a sign they valued his contributions beyond just the box score.
“We did have a rapid discussion around then, and it didn’t get done,” Davidson said in April. “But I wouldn’t say there was a hurdle or anything like that… Once you get past the deadline, everyone takes a little breather. I think things will pick up now that we’re through the year.”
Donato expressed similar optimism, praising the team’s direction and hinting at unfinished business in Chicago.
“We have obviously a super bright future here,” Donato said during the team’s end-of-season media session. “I think Blackhawks fans and a lot of people are going to be surprised how quickly things can turn.”
A Needed Piece for a Team in Transition
The new deal provides clarity for a franchise still in the early stages of a long-term rebuild. The Blackhawks finished the 2024-25 season with a 25-46-11 record, placing last in the Central Division and 31st overall in the league.
But the team is banking on a core of emerging young talent — anchored by No. 1 pick Connor Bedard — and veteran presences like Donato to accelerate their return to relevance.
Career Snapshot
A second-round pick by the Boston Bruins in 2014, Donato has carved out a steady NHL career with stops in Boston, Minnesota, San Jose, Seattle, and now Chicago. Through 483 career games, he has totaled 108 goals and 119 assists, with his latest campaign showing his potential to thrive in a top-six role.
With Donato locked in and young stars developing around him, the Blackhawks have solidified a crucial part of their rebuild. And in Donato, they have a player eager to be part of the climb back to the top.
“I want to be a difference-maker,” Donato said. “And I believe I can help lead this team to that next step.”
