Ryan Donato would be a solid addition for the Oilers, offering depth and offensive potential, likely at an affordable price.

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are actively looking to bolster their roster and fine-tune their lineup for a potential Stanley Cup run. With their offensive firepower led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and a solid defensive core, the focus for the Oilers front office has shifted toward addressing the team’s depth, particularly in the forward group. While many fans are clamoring for high-profile names to be brought in, a more under-the-radar acquisition like Ryan Donato could be the perfect fit—an affordable addition who can bring some much-needed depth and versatility to the Oilers’ forward lines.

Donato, who is currently playing for the Seattle Kraken, has been a consistent, albeit underrated, performer in the NHL for several seasons. While he might not be a household name, his skill set and potential make him an intriguing option for the Oilers, especially as they look to add players who can provide immediate contributions without sacrificing valuable assets or cap space. At his current stage in his career, Donato is the kind of player who could fit seamlessly into Edmonton’s lineup, offering a combination of offensive upside, versatility, and leadership that could help elevate the Oilers’ chances in the postseason.

This article explores why Ryan Donato could be a valuable addition to the Edmonton Oilers, why he shouldn’t cost much in terms of assets, and how he could impact the team moving forward.

Ryan Donato: A Brief Overview

Ryan Donato was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft, but he has since carved out a journeyman career in the league. Donato has spent time with the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and Seattle Kraken, and he has proven to be a serviceable NHL player who can contribute in a variety of roles. Throughout his career, Donato has shown flashes of offensive talent, particularly when deployed in the right situation. His ability to score goals, create plays, and provide depth scoring has made him an attractive piece for teams in need of reliable secondary scoring.

At the start of his NHL career, Donato was expected to be a top-six forward with significant offensive upside. While he hasn’t quite reached that level, he has established himself as a steady and dependable bottom-six player, capable of chipping in offensively and being an effective contributor in the right role. Donato is a versatile forward who can play both center and wing, which is a valuable asset for a team like the Oilers, who may need to move players around depending on the situation and matchups.

Why Ryan Donato Would Be a Good Fit for the Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are a team built around the superstar talents of McDavid and Draisaitl, but they need strong complementary pieces around them to maximize their championship aspirations. This is where Ryan Donato could come into play—he brings a unique skill set that could help elevate Edmonton’s depth. Here’s a breakdown of why Donato would be an excellent addition to the Oilers:

1. Offensive Depth and Secondary Scoring

While McDavid and Draisaitl are undeniably the focal points of Edmonton’s offense, the team has struggled at times to generate consistent secondary scoring. During playoff runs, this has often been a downfall for the Oilers, as the opposition can focus on shutting down McDavid and Draisaitl, leaving the other players on the roster to pick up the slack. Adding Donato to the mix would help balance the lineup and provide an additional offensive threat on the lower lines.

Over the course of his career, Donato has been a steady contributor in terms of scoring. While he may not consistently score 20 goals or more in a season, he has shown that he can put up respectable point totals and provide a spark when needed. Donato’s presence would help the Oilers avoid being overly reliant on their top two players and give them the ability to generate offense from multiple lines, which is essential for playoff success.

In 2023-24, Donato has been able to chip in with consistent point production, especially in a middle-six role. His ability to produce with limited ice time and while facing tougher defensive matchups is a testament to his versatility and work ethic. On the Oilers, Donato could provide crucial secondary scoring on the third or fourth line, relieving some pressure from the top six.

2. Versatility and Position Flexibility

One of Donato’s strongest assets is his versatility. Over the years, Donato has demonstrated the ability to play both center and wing, making him a flexible option for the Oilers in terms of line combinations. The Oilers have occasionally dealt with injuries, and having a player who can seamlessly shift between positions is a huge advantage.

Whether Edmonton needs to add depth to their third-line center position or shift a winger to the middle of the ice, Donato can step in and provide value wherever he’s needed. His flexibility in the lineup would allow head coach Jay Woodcroft to experiment with different line combinations or matchups, ensuring that the Oilers have the right mix of players to succeed in various situations.

Additionally, Donato’s ability to play both special teams, particularly on the penalty kill, could provide added value, especially in the postseason when special teams often play a significant role in determining the outcome of games. While Donato is not a specialist on the power play, his all-around game and ability to make an impact on the PK could make him an even more valuable addition.

3. Affordable Acquisition Cost

One of the most compelling reasons for the Oilers to target Ryan Donato is the cost. Donato is currently in the final year of a relatively affordable contract, carrying a $1.2 million cap hit for the 2023-2024 season. This means that the Oilers would not have to give up significant assets to acquire Donato, which is an appealing proposition given their limited salary cap space.

In a trade for Donato, Edmonton would likely not have to part with one of their top prospects or draft picks. Instead, the Oilers could offer up a mid-tier prospect or a low-round pick, making the cost of acquiring him relatively low. In terms of cap flexibility, Donato would also be a cost-effective addition, allowing the Oilers to improve their forward depth without jeopardizing their financial situation or making a major sacrifice in terms of future assets.

Given the cap space constraints many teams are facing, including the Oilers, Donato’s contract is an attractive feature. His affordable price allows Edmonton to make a meaningful addition without sacrificing long-term flexibility.

4. Strong Character and Leadership

Donato is a player who brings a strong work ethic and leadership qualities to the locker room. While he may not be a vocal captain or a flashy star, he has always been known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. In a playoff run, having players who understand their role, embrace their responsibilities, and bring a positive attitude can make a huge difference in a team’s overall chemistry.

On a team like the Oilers, where the spotlight is often on the superstars, Donato could serve as a quiet leader on the lower lines, helping to foster a culture of teamwork and accountability. His experience with different organizations and his ability to adapt to different systems and roles would also be an asset in a playoff environment, where depth players are often called upon to step up when the stakes are highest.

Donato’s Potential Impact on the Oilers

The addition of Ryan Donato would likely have a multifaceted impact on the Oilers. First and foremost, Donato would provide more balance to their forward lines. The Oilers already boast one of the most dynamic top-six groups in the league, but their bottom six could use a boost in terms of offensive output and defensive responsibility. Donato’s ability to contribute both ways would make the Oilers’ forward group much more difficult to shut down in the postseason, especially when facing elite teams with strong top lines.

In addition to bolstering the team’s depth, Donato could also play a key role on special teams. Although not a high-end power-play option, his ability to contribute on the penalty kill would provide much-needed reliability in that area. As the Oilers push for the playoffs, having players who can step up in all situations, including special teams, will be crucial to their success.

Ultimately, Donato might not be the kind of high-profile addition that will steal the headlines, but he has the potential to be the kind of complementary player who can make a real difference for the Oilers. His steady offensive game, versatility, and affordable price tag make him an ideal target for a team looking to improve its depth and increase its chances for a deep playoff run.