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Penguins Linked to Recent 30-Goal Scorer by Analyst
Photo credit: The Chicago Sun Times
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been linked to Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato, who scored 31 goals this season for the struggling club.
The Chicago Blackhawks missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in what was another struggling year as part of their painful rebuilding process.
They already made a notable change in leadership during the season, firing coach Luke Richardson and replacing him with Rockford IceHogs coach Anders Sorenson. Now, the club has hired former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill as his new full-time replacement.
In the meantime, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson still has plenty of moves to make if he is going to get the club back got the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Speaking of teams who need to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins are left looking for answers after missing for the 3rd straight year. And one analyst thinks that the Penguins should make life harder on the Blackhawks by grabbing one of their top goal scorers in free agency.
Per Nicholas Kramer of Pens Labyrinth, the Penguins should try and sign pending UFA forward Ryan Donato, who scored 31 goals this year.
The Penguins should immediately offer Donato a bag as soon as free agency opens. The 62 points were double Donato's career high. The question is, has Donato reached his peak or is he ascending? It is worth mentioning that he took off once he was placed on Bedards line.
Imagine pairing him with Sidney Crosby. Crosby is a significantly better player than Bedard so I think Donato can really shine next to Crosby. Dailyfaceoff projects him to get a 3X4.2 contract. That is a steal if you ask me. I would gladly offer him 5 million a year and give him four years. Plus, he can also play center. Once Malkin retires, Donato can slide into that 2C role.
Imagine pairing him with Sidney Crosby. Crosby is a significantly better player than Bedard so I think Donato can really shine next to Crosby. Dailyfaceoff projects him to get a 3X4.2 contract. That is a steal if you ask me. I would gladly offer him 5 million a year and give him four years. Plus, he can also play center. Once Malkin retires, Donato can slide into that 2C role.
Donato's contract, which carried an AAV (average annual value) of $2 million is up this summer, and he's earned himself a notable raise on that amount thanks to his new career-best 31 goals.
| POLL | ||
MAI 24 | 72 ANSWERS Penguins Linked to Recent 30-Goal Scorer by Analyst Should the Penguins sign UFA forward Ryan Donato? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 62.5 % |
| No | 27 | 37.5 % |
| List of polls | ||