Bruins Should Try To Reunite With Blackhawks Forward

The Boston Bruins are preparing for what should be a very busy off-season for them. After disappointing big time during the 2024-25 season and trading away multiple former core players, their goal will now be to add new talent to their roster. 

The Bruins are in a prime position to do some spending, as they are entering the summer with plenty of cap space. Due to this, the possibility of them adding to their roster through free agency is there, and one player who they should consider pursuing because of it is Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato.

Donato is a player the Bruins know well, as he was drafted 56th overall by the team in 2014 and played his first two seasons with the club. In 46 games over two seasons with the Bruins, he had 11 goals and 18 points. His time with the Bruins ended when he was traded to the Minnesota Wild at the 2019 NHL trade deadline in the move that brought Charlie Coyle to Boston.

If Donato hits the free-agent market, the Bruins should try to reunite with the Massachusetts native. They need help at the center position and more secondary scoring, which is something Donato can provide. His 2024-25 season effectively demonstrates this. The 29-year-old forward hit a new level with the Blackhawks this campaign, setting new career highs with 31 goals, 31 assists, and 62 points in 80 games. 

If the Bruins brought back Donato and he maintained his 2024-25 form, he would be a major addition to their roster. Furthermore, he would be a clear fit for their power play, which needs assistance.

Nevertheless, with the Bruins needing more offense, Donato is a player they should consider targeting if he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. At a minimum, he would help improve their middle six, especially when noting that he can play both down the middle and on the wing. 

Bruins Sign Veteran Forward To Contract Extension

The Boston Bruins are keeping one of their forwards around, as the team announced that they have signed Patrick Brown to a one-year, two-way contract extension for the 2025-26 campaign. According to the Original Six club, Brown will carry a $775,000 cap hit at the NHL level for next season.

Brown, 32, appeared in 15 games this season with Boston, posting one assist, 46 hits, and a minus-2 rating. This is after he recorded one helper and 25 hits in 11 contests for Boston this past season.

Brown spent the bulk of this campaign down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Providence Bruins and served as their captain. He had a strong regular-season with the AHL squad, recording 17 goals, 46 points, and a plus-8 rating. He also has two assists in five post-season games with Providence so far this year.

Given Brown's importance to Providence's roster, it is understandable that the Bruins have decided to keep him around. He will continue to be an excellent leader for the AHL squad and will also serve as an experienced call-up option for the Bruins next season when injuries inevitably arise.

Brown joined the Bruins on a two-year, $1.6 million contract during the 2023 NHL off-season. In 26 games over two seasons with Boston, he has zero goals, two assists, 71 hits, and a minus-5 rating.

In 164 career NHL games split between the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, and Bruins, Brown has 10 goals, 26 points, 403 hits, and a minus-29 rating.