Chicago Blackhawks leading goal scorer has left the team and will test free agency

"He's going to test free agency. I mean, he should. Never underestimate the stupidity of an NHL GM.

Not to say it would be stupid to give Ryan Donato a big contract, but someone might look at what he did this season and say, 'That's exactly the guy we want,' and offer him a deal that's far more than any other team would. He can cash in on that - and good for him, considering the kind of season he had at his age.

If a team comes along and offers him more term or security - say, a six-year deal at $6 million per year - and the best offer from the Hawks is something like four years at $4 million, well, if he wants more stability for himself and his family, I say go for it.

I'd never hold it against a guy who wants to cash in. He worked his ass off to get that 31-goal season in his free agent year. He put in the work in the off-season, and he's earned the right to pursue the best opportunity for himself.

But look, I'm not giving Ryan Donato $36 million over six years. I just don't think he's that kind of player.

You can't hand out massive deals to everyone. The Hawks have young players we like - Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Artem Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, and others - and those guys will need contracts soon. You've got to manage the cap responsibly.

From what we've heard, the Hawks made a fair, market-value offer to Donato. I'm sure there's some flexibility - maybe you add a year, tweak the money a bit.

But if Donato says, 'I'm going to get a better opportunity elsewhere,' then good for him. Maybe his mind's already made up. Maybe he says he wants to stay, but really he wants to go back to Boston or wherever. Fine."