Boston Bruins: Ryan Donato a forgotten prospect?
By Shawn Quelch
Ryan Donato could be a key to the Boston Bruins playoff chances.
With all the talk of the Boston Bruins youth movement there is a prospect that could impact this the season as much as any other and he isn’t even on the roster.
Bruins rookies Charlie McAvoy and Anders Bjork have captured the bulk of the headlines, and rightfully so, but Ryan Donato is a name we may hear a great deal about as the season nears its end.
Olympic opportunity
Ryan Donato is in his Junior year at Harvard playing for his Dad Ted, a former Boston Bruin himself. The Bruins got an up close look at Ryan Donato during training camp this year. He is clearly one of the most skilled but least talked about prospects in the Boston Bruins system. Proof of his talent level was on display as Harvard recently took on the USNTDP U-18 squad in an exhibition game.
Ryan Donato lit it up for 3 goals and 2 assists in a 7-2 Harvard victory. There is a strong chance that Ryan Donato will represent his country at the Olympics this year. This would allow the 21 year old the unique chance to follow in his father’s foot steps and join the Boston Bruins after his Olympic experience concludes if he decides to turn pro.
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Future is bright
With the early season success of several Boston Bruins first year players it’s easy for fans to get excited about the future. Thoughts of Charlie McAvoy patrolling the Boston Bruins blue line for the next decade should bring a smile to even the most pessimistic Bruins fan. Speedy and skilled forwards like Anders Bjork and Jake Debrusk flying up and down the ice at TD Garden should also be cause for optimism.
But Ryan Donato seems to continue to fly under the radar on most Boston Bruins top prospect lists.
Making the playoffs has been a challenge the past few years for the Boston Bruins. When the 2017-2018 season winds down the Boston Bruins may be looking for a spark to add to their lineup to give them that extra push for a playoff run. Do not be surprised if we see Ryan Donato put on the black and gold sweater.
Next: Boston Bruins fall short in shootout loss to Columbus Blue Jackets
Here is hoping that he can make the kind of impact that will prove he is a player that few of us will forget.