Ryan Donato might not be the flashiest skater or a top-tier scorer, but he is a versatile middle six player who can be opportunistic at the net. Last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Donato quietly had a strong year, with 12 goals and 30 points in 78 games showing his ability to contribute no matter where he was placed in the lineup. He's going to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. He's a grinder fit for the playoffs and will likely be sought after at the trade deadline. That said, a team in need of veteran depth at an affordable price might go after him sooner. According to the Hockey Buz, there are already two teams with heavy interest. The Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins. <q> From what I've heard, there are at least two teams -- Dallas is one, his original NHL club (Boston) another -- who might get in early on the 28-year-old vet as a preemptive rental. </q> While he hasn't been on a playoff team for three of the last four years, head coach Luke Richardson used him both at center and wing. He even had a stint on a line with Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard, where he showed some good chemistry. Adding someone like Donato, who's only making $2million next season could be a great move for a cup-contender looking for some depth scoring in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let's see if there's an early bird that'll take the worm. Source: Hockey Buzz <a href='https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Donato-Could-be-an-Early-Rental-E4/1/126053' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Donato-Could-be-an-Early-Rental-E4/1/126053</a>