The New Jersey Devils are in desperate need of forward depth. This fact has been on full display for months. Most of the scoring comes from Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt. Sheldon Keefe has shuffled the lines repeatedly, trying to find a good mix to get the team going again. He can only deal with what he has. Point blank, the Devils need to score more, and they're not showing they can do that.
Time is running out for Tom Fitzgerald to do something to plug the holes. The NHL Trade Deadline of March 7th is just a week away. If the Devils are going to address their needs, the time is now.
One name that keeps popping up in trade conversations is 28-year-old forward Ryan Donato. The Devils were reportedly one of six teams interested in the Chicago Blackhawks player earlier this month. Donato would be a wonderful addition to strengthen their forward depth.
Ryan Donato is a great fit for New Jersey Devils’ forward needs
Donato is in the last year of a two-year contract. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, making him a candidate for a rental. He has a $2 million AAV cap hit.
What makes Donato the right fit for the Devils? His versatility is a huge upside. He can play on either wing or center, which would be useful with the Devils’ center depth being thin. He can also play up and down the lineup. Trading for Donato would give the middle-six a much-needed offensive boost. The team lacks secondary scoring, and this is something he can provide.
Donato is drawing a lot of interest from teams. He is having a career year in Chicago. With 39 points in 56 games, he’s already at a career-high in points. Donato plays on the Blackhawks’ top power-play unit. He has 10 power-play points this season. His shooting percentage is 15%.
It’s worth noting Donato has spent significant time playing with Connor Bedard, which is likely a factor in his increased production. But with how good he’s looked, he’s proven the ability to play in different spots.
The Devils have three second round picks in the 2025 draft. If they can get Donato for a second round pick, they should do it. Fitzgerald has to make a move in the next week. If Donato is available, this is a move the Devils shouldn’t miss out on.