The Chicago Blackhawks entered last season with one big question: who would step up and support Connor Bedard? Fans expected a bumpy ride. The roster was thin. Depth was unproven. And most assumed Bedard would have to do everything himself. But then came Ryan Donato.
The veteran winger, known more for his reliability than flash, shocked fans and analysts alike. Instead of being a filler piece, Donato delivered the best hockey of his career. He didn’t just chip in — he became one of Chicago’s most consistent offensive threats.
Now the question heading into the new season is simple: was it a one-time surge, or the start of something bigger?
Donato’s Breakout Year
Donato’s 2024–25 season wasn’t just a step forward. It was a full leap.
- Goals: 31 (previous best: 16)
- Assists: 31 (previous best: 18)
- Points: 62 (previous best: 31)
Those numbers tell the story. Donato doubled his point production, hit career highs across every offensive category, and ranked among Chicago’s top playmakers. For a team starving for secondary scoring, he was a massive boost.
Added: He didn’t just pass old marks — he crushed them. He turned a 30-point best into 62, and pushed goals from 16 to 31. The shot volume matched the surge: 336 shot attempts, a jump of +68 over his previous high (268). That mix of volume and finish is what separates a hot streak from a true step forward.
And he did it in a way that stood out: steady game after steady game, producing at even strength and on the power play, while adding grit in every shift. That balance made him far more than a surprise scorer — it made him a dependable weapon.
The Chemistry Factor
The surprise? His connection with Connor Bedard wasn’t as automatic as some expected. Out of Donato’s 62 points, only 13 were shared with Bedard, and 7 of those came on the power play.
That means more than 75% of Donato’s production came without Bedard on the scoresheet. Translation: he wasn’t just riding shotgun — he was creating offense on his own.
Added: Also worth noting: only five of his 31 goals came on the power play. The other 26 were at five-on-five — a top-10 league total, right in the neighborhood of names like Jason Robertson and Brayden Point. That’s bankable even-strength scoring.
That independence matters. It proves Donato’s season wasn’t just a byproduct of playing with a star. It was earned.
The Hidden Stats Behind His Jump
Why did Donato break out? The numbers give us answers.
- Shooting Percentage: 17.0% (well above his career average of 14.7%). That kind of efficiency is elite.
- Shots on Goal: 182, a new career-high (his old best was 159). More pucks on net, more goals.
- Time on Ice: 16:19 per game, nearly three minutes more than his career average. Huge increase.
- Physical Play: 104 hits in each of the last two seasons. His old career best? 70. That edge kept him in bigger roles.
- Faceoffs: 291 draws, winning 44.6%. Not elite, but it added versatility to his game.
- Playmaking: 25 of his 31 assists were primary. He wasn’t padding stats — he was driving plays.
Added: And it wasn’t just numbers. He hunted loose pucks, won corner battles, and closed on puck carriers. Smart routes, good body position, low-risk reads — the kind of details coaches trust when the game tightens up.
All those small jumps — ice time, usage, aggression, efficiency — stacked together to create his breakout.
Donato’s Role Moving Forward
Here’s the good news for Chicago: Donato isn’t going anywhere.
He signed a 4-year deal at $4 million per season, cementing his spot in the Hawks’ lineup. Added: He originally arrived on a two-year, $4 million pact before 2023–24 — turned that bet into this longer commitment.
With Frank Nazar entering the picture, Donato shifts full-time to the wing — a role that should let him focus on what he does best: scoring and playmaking.
For now, he stays locked in the top-six and on power play unit one. In the future, when prospects push for ice time, Donato can slide into a supporting role and provide leadership in the locker room. Either way, he’ll be valuable.
Can He Repeat?
The million-dollar question.
Donato’s 17% shooting percentage is higher than league average and tough to repeat. That could mean fewer goals this season. But the rest — ice time, confidence, system fit — points to another strong year.
My projection: 25+ goals and 30+ assists again. Maybe not 62 points, but Donato will remain a steady presence on the scoresheet.
Added: And even if last year stands as his single biggest spike, every team wants a winger who can live in the 25-goal range and give reliable top-six depth. Chicago already has that in place.
The Bottom Line
Ryan Donato’s breakout wasn’t luck. It was the product of more ice, more shots, and added responsibility.
Can he repeat? Yes.
Will the numbers look identical? Probably not. But expect another 55–60 point season and veteran leadership that Chicago badly needs.
For the Blackhawks, Donato isn’t just a breakout story. He’s a key piece in their rebuild — proof that opportunity and hard work can still surprise people in the NHL.
Good stuff. I read sometime ago that last off season, he changed up his training to improve his skating and speed. So, I’m with you, I’m thinking he gets at least close to last year’s numbers.
And the ‘Hawks got a bargain in the salary part of the deal.
Thanks a lot for your comment and for sharing this! You’re absolutely right — I forgot to mention it, but Donato did work on his skating last offseason to improve his speed. Really appreciate you pointing that out. Glad we’re on the same page when it comes to his projections!