The team did not extend nor was he dealt before yesterday’s trade deadline.

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The Chicago Blackhawks were looking to extend Ryan Donato or possibly trade him before yesterday’s trade 2pm CST trade deadline.

They did neither.

Although trading Donato might have been hard to pull off since general manager Kyle Davidson revealed he had a high asking price for the team’s top goal scorer.

Kyle Davidson on the trade deadline 🎧

watch:https://t.co/CiZlO2duvL pic.twitter.com/AlUZXckiyS

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 7, 2025

However, when former Hawk Anthony Beauvillier can land the Pittsburgh Penguins a second-round pick or the New York Islanders can get a first-round pick for Brock Nelson, Davidson must have been asking for the moon and stars.

Donato’s trade value might never be at its highest and this could have been a missed opportunity to cash in on that.

Especially since there is a possibility that Donato can walk in the offseason since he is set for an unrestricted free agency where he can cash in on a career year with the salary cap going up this offseason.

The Blackhawks might not need any more premium draft picks. However, Davidson did hint he is ready to use some of those picks the Hawks already have to get a player who can speed up the rebuild.

Kyle Davidson says the Blackhawks are ready to consider trading some of the many picks and prospects they've accumulated for established players.

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 7, 2025

Having a few more first or second-round picks would have been nice to leverage into acquiring some established players that hopefully helps complete the rebuild this offseason.

The Blackhawks have plenty of cap space to make a run at top-tier free agents. However, one potential target is off the market with Mikko Rantanen getting traded to Dallas and signing an extension. The Hawks will not be the only team with cap space to go after Mitch Marner.

That is why using the trade route might be the best method to get a premium player to pair up with Connor Bedard. Having as many assets as possible only increases that chance.

Donato may end up signing an extension before the season ends. Davidson made it sound like the door has not been slammed shut.

Davidson said the Blackhawks “have talked and exchanged some ideas” w/ Donato re: an extension.

“We look forward to him continuing his success this year and success within our locker room. As for seasons beyond this, I guess we’ll let that play out and see where that ends up.”

— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) March 7, 2025

Still, until he signs on the dotted line with the Blackhawks, there is a risk he bolts in the offseason. Then the Hawks are left with nothing and wondering what could have been.