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Transaction: Kent Hughes and the Canadiens just helped the Blackhawks acquire a first round pick for Donato
With trade talkins intensifying around Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato, a four-year contract extension by the Montreal Canadiens announced on Tuesday just upped the value of the goal-scoring forward that Chicago's looking to get rid of
As the NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching on Friday, trade chatter involving Blackhawks own Ryan Donato are in full-force, and according to a Kevin Weekes report, there is 'several' teams checking in with Kyle Davidson for a trade.
As we addressed in a recent report, the Blackhawks were only expected to fetch a third round draft pick in exchange for their leading goal scorer, Donato.
Jake Evans extension in Montreal helps the Chicago Blackhawks
But say goodbye to Donato being valued at just a third round draft selection, as the Montreal Canadiens just upped his trade value with a major signing announced today.
The Canadiens signed forward Jake Evans to a four-year contract extension with a value of $2.85 million per year.
Evans has played 61 games for the Canadiens this season, and has recorded 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 total points.
Ryan Donato on the other hand has played 59 games for the Blackhawks this season, and has recorded 22 goals and 23 assists for a career-high of 45 points.
Based on these numbers, and recent reports of the Canadiens having a second-round draft pick offer on the table for Evans, Donato's value has now greatly appreciated.
Ryan Donato leads all Blackhawks in goal-scoring with 22 on the season, that is 6 more goals than former first-overall sensation Connor Bedard.
With Evans striking a $2.85 million extension with the Canadiens, and Donato's play, his value has easily transitioned into a first-round selection.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
MARS 4 | 477 ANSWERS Transaction: Kent Hughes and the Canadiens just helped the Blackhawks acquire a first round pick for Donato Do you think Ryan Donato is valued at a first round pick? | ||
| Yes | 305 | 63.9 % |
| No, more | 72 | 15.1 % |
| No, less | 100 | 21 % |
| List of polls | ||
