Blackhawks retain F Ryan Donato with four-year, $16M deal

Field Level Media|published: Wed 18th June, 20:27 2025

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens

Apr 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) plays the puck against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) in the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato signed a four-year, $16 million contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.

Donato, 29, could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but instead chose to sign a deal through the 2028-29 season with Chicago.

Last season, Donato led the Blackhawks with a career-best 31 goals in 80 games. His 31 assists and 62 points were also career highs.

"Ryan brings energy and competes hard every game, which has been a huge asset to our team over the last two seasons," Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said 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, an eight-year veteran, has 43 goals in two seasons with the Blackhawks. He had never scored more than 31 points in a season until doubling that output last season.

Donato has 108 goals and 119 assists in 483 games with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken and Blackhawks.

--Field Level Media