An underrated familiar face the Boston Bruins should…read more
With the trade deadline still months away, NHL teams generally have time to fine-tune their rosters. But for teams struggling early in the season, a proactive approach could be beneficial. The Boston Bruins find themselves in a challenging position, heading into their Tuesday game with a modest 4-4-1 record and nine points.
It’s clear the Bruins were expected to show more promise early on, but the team currently finds itself lacking on both offense and defense. Going into the matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston ranks 19th in goals scored (27) and 20th in goals allowed (32). With a minus-5 goal differential, the Bruins are in need of either an internal boost or an outside addition to break this streak of early-season struggles. An under-the-radar forward who could potentially provide such a spark is Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Donato, a former Bruin, has been experiencing a resurgence with Chicago, recently posting five points and four goals in his last four games. While the Blackhawks may choose to keep Donato for their own rebuild, their current non-contender status could mean middle-tier veterans like him might be available for trade. If Boston could acquire Donato, he would fit well on their lower lines and add depth scoring to the roster, a crucial piece the Bruins need as they attempt to rebound from their slow start.
What makes Donato an intriguing choice is his solid puck-moving ability, shown through advanced stats this season. Donato has posted a 47.4 Corsi For percentage at even strength, despite having only 39.1 percent of his shifts start in the offensive zone. This is impressive for a player known for a defense-first mentality who’s found scoring success recently.
Furthermore, Donato’s been on the ice at even strength for a goal 18.2 percent of the time, with an impressive on-ice save percentage of 93.0. These advanced metrics indicate that, while playing for a rebuilding team, Donato has still managed to make significant contributions. If he maintains this level of play, he could be a valuable, cost-effective addition for Boston as they aim to get back on track.
Though Donato’s role in Chicago may evolve, his current play shows he could be a worthwhile option for Boston. The Bruins need an extra edge, and Donato’s recent success and familiarity with the team could make him an ideal midseason trade target, helping Boston address their current struggles and bolster their roster.
