Blackhawks' Contract Offer to Ryan Donato Leaked After 'Weeks on the Table'
The Chicago Blackhawks have had a three-year, $12 million contract offer on the table for Ryan Donato since the trade deadline, but the 28-year-old forward has yet to accept it. According to Scott Powers of The Athletic, there haven’t been any negotiations since the offer was made, though both sides are expected to revisit talks before free agency. Donato, enjoying a career-best season with 25 goals and 55 points in 70 games, has little reason to rush into a decision. The Blackhawks would love to keep him but are hesitant to commit long-term to a veteran, creating a potential disconnect between term and value.Teuvo Teravainen finds Ryan Donato backdoor who taps it in on the 5on3 pic.twitter.com/XQEAxqgl5q— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) March 23, 2025
Chicago’s front office reportedly turned down trade offers for Donato at the deadline, unwilling to settle for a return as low as a third-round pick. Instead, they chose to retain him, believing in his leadership and production as key to their young roster. Donato has responded with consistent play all season, scoring four or more goals in five of the six months so far. “I always have confidence in myself,” Donato said. “You just kind of pray that good things happen, and you just do the hard work.”This is as mad as I'ver seen Ryan Donato, who was irate there wasn't a penalty called. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/3JttZ0UKFI— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 22, 2025
If Donato wants greater stability, he may push for either an additional year or a raise in salary. The Blackhawks, aiming to stay flexible as they build toward future contention, may counter with a shorter term. Still, keeping Donato around makes sense for a team hoping to add veterans who can contribute now and grow with a young core. As Andy Jachim noted, “The pressure is on them to get a deal across the finish line.”Photo Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images...
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