Major Development Has Surfaced Regarding One Of The New York Rangers Trade Targets
Photo credit: ESPN
One player who has come from behind this season to surprise us all, is Ryan Donato. He joined the Chicago Blackhawks as a fourth liner and has worked himself up into a top role with the team, now it appears he's a trade target for the Rangers.
With Donato heating up, he's found himself the subject of trade rumors across the NHL.
Donato has proven himself to be a star forward, for a team like the Blackhawks who lacks any major talent aside from Connor Bedard.
He's put on a show every night on the ice, being a fierce competitor, and fighting for the puck every chance he gets.
With his current play, he's scored a total of 37 points (19 G, 18 A) for the Blackhawks this year.
A career-high for the forward, who is also a pending UFA, and a trade target for some NHL teams.
However, the Blackhawks may decide to keep him according to The Athletic's Scott Powers.
The Blackhawks aren't as hellbent on trading Donato (as they were Taylor Hall), based on everything I've heard. They'll certainly listen to any team interested in Donato, but they're not looking to move him just to move him. It would have to really make sense for the Blackhawks.
That would make sense considering the contributions he's made to the team this year.
But it would be puzzling for GM Kyle Davidson to keep someone beyond their prime years, and block another one of their prospects' path to the NHL.
Which could happen if they do decide to keep him instead of trading him to a team like the Rangers who could benefit from his skills, and play style this season.
The cost of Donato would be relatively cheap for the Rangers, as he could fetch at most a 2nd or 3rd round pick for the Hawks.
For the secondary-scoring he provides, it'd be worth it for the Rangers who are lacking the kind of scoring punch we saw from players last season.
"He has potentially more value with the Blackhawks the rest of the way," than somewhere else, since "No player's development is more important for the Blackhawks than Bedard's."
Perhaps, if they don't sign him to an extension they could see if he's available during free agency.
But GM Kyle Davidson shouldn't extend him beyond another season with the team.
Should the Rangers call on Ryan Donato's availability?
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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