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Why Ryan Donato could be a good fit for the Vegas Golden Knights

By Andrew Steele-Davis

MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 17: Ryan Donato (6) of the Minnesota Wild looks on during the second period of the NHL game between the Minnesota Wilds and the Montreal Canadiens on October 17, 2019, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 17: Ryan Donato (6) of the Minnesota Wild looks on during the second period of the NHL game between the Minnesota Wilds and the Montreal Canadiens on October 17, 2019, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OTTAWA, ON – OCTOBER 14: Minnesota Wild Winger Ryan Donato (6) sets up in front of Ottawa Senators Goalie Craig Anderson (41) during first period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on October 14, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – OCTOBER 14: Minnesota Wild Winger Ryan Donato (6) sets up in front of Ottawa Senators Goalie Craig Anderson (41) during first period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on October 14, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Pros To Trading For Ryan Donato

First and foremost, Ryan Donato is a very talented goalscorer and he’s proven that throughout his young career so far.

He recorded 104 points (60 goals, 44 assists) in 97 games with Harvard University, before being signed by the Boston Bruins.

And Donato certainly exploded onto the NHL stage with five goals and four assists for nine points in 12 games during the latter stages of 2017-18, before gaining some experience in the postseason.

The 23-year-old posted nine points (six goals, three assists) in 34 games for the Bruins last year before being traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he flourished with four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 22 games.

There is no doubt that Donato has only just scratched the surface when it comes to his potential, but he’s also able to play a gritty game and that would suit a bottom six role.

Plus, given his age and his potential, there is no reason why Donato couldn’t slide up into a top six role or log big minutes on the power play.

He can play as a center or on the wing and that versatility would really benefit the Vegas Golden Knights right now.

You could either use Donato as a center on the third line with Cody Glass and Alex Tuch as his wings, or you could play Donato on the wing on the third line with Tuch and Glass or Paul Stastny.

He would bring secondary scoring, toughness and some skill to the table, while he’s still young and should only get better.

Plus, under control through 2020-21 with an average annual cap hit of $1,900,000, the Knights could afford to take on Donato’s contract if they moved someone out of the building (more on that later).

And, with Brandon Pirri, who has a cap hit of $775,000, being placed on waivers today, that could open up a spot for someone like Ryan Donato.

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