Donato

[TheFridge]

I know it's a career year and he's not likely to repeat these numbers, but at what point do we consider that this level might be his somewhat sustainable going forward?

It's not entirely uncommon for guys even in their early prime to find new levels on teams where they get more opportunity. Guys like Verhaeghe, William Karlsson, Marchessault etc.

It's rare sure but Donato has above average compete and skating, and his shot is coming along very nicely into a legit tool.

I don't expect him to be a PPG player going forward sure, but I also don't automatically expect him to revert back to his previous numbers just because.

He's well liked in the locker room and fills a role of a compete guy that can play with skilled smaller players who need the net front/board battle. We need that with our bigger guys like Boisvert, Vanacker, Pridham etc are in juniors. And we're going to have more smaller guys like Lardis and Kantserov making the transition soon.

With all this said, I wouldn't be opposed of overpaying him slightly. Something like a Bertuzzi or TT contract (% wise, because AAVs are going to go up this summer with the cap). 5 or 6 mil for a 3-4 year deal I would be fine with. Ideally 3 years for sure, length is more important than the AAV. It won't be hard to trade a contract like that either, especially with the overflowing amount of assets we have both in picks and players.

Reward positive production, it's time to build that culture for all the young guys to see and strive towards.

Carter Verhaege is the same age as Donato. He broke out and through in 2020-21, when he was 24. Donato broke out at age 28, in a contract year, shooting 6% higher than his career average.

William Karlsson broke out at 25, but also regressed very hard. Marchessault broke out at 26.

Verhaeghe and Marchessault also both had less than 60 NHL GP when they broke out. Donato had 400 NHL GP.

If you're going to re-sign him for 5-6M, you don't give him 3-4 years. That's a deal you'll have to pay to move in the 3rd or 4th year.

 

[Putt Pirate]

If he wants $5mm off of one year that is not his statistical norm then let him walk. Let someone else overpay and give him what he wants.

 

[hockeydoug]

I have no idea of what any details of KD's plan are beyond sell, throw at the draft board, toss on the ice, get better because prospects, but if he is going to try to land one of the big dogs this summer, let that play out first.

If they don't get a 30 goal or 50 assist guy you can overpay him as a depth scoring wing. 4x 4. It's still not going to be problem to work around. Yeah it will suck the last 2 years but the Hawks are a long way from having offensive balance up and down the lineup. They're still going to have so many options with cost controlled depth players in a few years that they'll be able to carry plenty of dead weight.

 

[BobbyJet]

Carter Verhaege is the same age as Donato. He broke out and through in 2020-21, when he was 24. Donato broke out at age 28, in a contract year, shooting 6% higher than his career average.

William Karlsson broke out at 25, but also regressed very hard. Marchessault broke out at 26.

Verhaeghe and Marchessault also both had less than 60 NHL GP when they broke out. Donato had 400 NHL GP.

If you're going to re-sign him for 5-6M, you don't give him 3-4 years. That's a deal you'll have to pay to move in the 3rd or 4th year.

Not exactly the same types of players but roster-wise Donato is what KD thought he was getting in Bertuzzi.

 

[jaysoneil]

Not exactly the same types of players but roster-wise Donato is what KD thought he was getting in Bertuzzi.

Agreed. Bert and TT were also supposed to be instant fan favorites - something Donato completely stole and ran with.

#8 has been one of the best players in nearly every game he's played the 2nd half of the season. His consistent play and effort is fun to watch. He definitely leads by example on the ice. Seems like a good dude as well - might take less term to stay in Chicago.

Hope it's 3 years or less, AAV doesn't matter.