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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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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 24: Ryan Donato #6 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on October 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 24: Ryan Donato #6 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on October 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Cons

There really isn’t any clear negative to this potential trade, other than the fact that Ryan Donato has struggled this year.

But, and this is worth keeping in mind, not only is it natural for young players to go through slumps, but Donato is also playing on a very, very poor Minnesota Wild team.

So, with better players around him, it isn’t a stretch to think that Donato would elevate his play and return to the level he was at last season.

Granted, the Golden Knights would have to clear a contract off the books first, but they could look to include certain players in any trade with the Wild, which leads us to…

OTTAWA, ON – OCTOBER 14: Minnesota Wild Winger Ryan Donato (6) closes on the play during second 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) closes on the play during second 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) /

What Would a Deal Look Like?

The Minnesota Wild are entering a transition period and possibly a rebuild under new General Manager Billy Guerin, so it is likely they would want picks or prospects for Ryan Donato.

Given Donato’s manageable cap hit and his struggles this year, a low round draft pick or two and a mid-level prospect may be enough to get any deal over the line.

But, there is a caveat at play here, and that is the fact that the Golden Knights are capped out and would have to move someone out first.

Could they persuade the Wild to take on someone in the ilk of Cody Eakin or Nick Holden in any trade package for Donato?

Eakin is due to become a UFA in the summer and carries a cap hit of $3,850,000, as is Holden who has an average annual value of $2,200,000.

Next. An early look ahead to the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. dark

If the Minnesota Wild are insistent on staying on their current course then they could be tempted to take on Eakin for the rest of the year, along with a mid-level prospect or some low-end picks.

Given Eakin’s struggles and the serious lack of secondary scoring so far this year, acquiring a young but raw talent in Ryan Donato could be the spark that this Vegas Golden Knights offense needs.

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