Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Bruins rumors: Ranking teams upcoming free agents

By Sam Minton

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 8: Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson #23 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of the game between the Boston Bruins and the toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden on December 8, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 8: Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson #23 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of the game between the Boston Bruins and the toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden on December 8, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
Boston Bruins
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 29: Ryan Donato #17 of the Boston Bruins (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

2. Ryan Donato

Ryan Donato looked like he was going to be Charlie McAvoy 2.0. A young guy who makes the jump from college and is a major factor on the team. Donato has had more ups and downs compared to McAvoy.

Donato was great when he left Harvard to play in the NHL.  In just 12 games he scored 5 goals and 4 assists.

More from Bruins Rumors

Right away you saw that Donato could be a good player in the NHL. He is a great skater and is a smart player.

The only thing he seemed to lack was that physicality and grit that Bruins fans love. Donato isn’t that small of a guy. I wouldn’t mind being 6′.

This issue was revealed early on in the season. Donato was struggling to score and wasn’t being productive on the ice.

Bruce Cassidy made the bold decision and sent Donato down. The move seems to have worked. Donato looks like a much more complete player and won’t be headed down to the AHL anytime soon.

Donato has played in 7 games since returning to Boston and has 2 goals and 2 assists. If Donato can rack up 25 or 30 points I think that will prove he belongs in the NHL.

I think Donato could be the future of the Bruins 2nd line. He could be a solid winger alongside Jake DeBrusk.

Since he struggled early on I would expect Donato to take a bridge deal and not ask for a boatload of cash. This means there is a good chance we see Donato back in Boston.

Home/Bruins Rumors