Blackhawks: Donato speaks on Bedard ‘A lot of fun to play with’

Ryan Donato has been the talk of the town for the Chicago Blackhawks because he is the teams leading scorer (7 goals and 9 points in 13 games).

He is the guy head coach Luke Richardson wants on the ice when they need a goal, whether its five-on-five, the powerplay, or even the shootout.

(His shootout goal against the Anaheim Ducks is still pretty to think about, isnt it?) Donato also earned himself a nice promotion, from starting the season on the fourth line to now playing on the first line with Philipp Kurashev and Connor Bedard.

Considering the first line is off to a slower start, it didnt hurt to try Donato there.

Against the LA Kings on Nov.

2, that line created the most scoring chances on the team, and against the Ducks on Nov.

3, the first line created a Donato goal that made the score 4-1 in the third period.

After practice on Tuesday, Donato was asked what its like playing with Bedard, and wondering if that has changed his responsibility, prompting an insightful answer.

I mean, obviously he [Bedard] is very easy to work with, Donato said.

Hes going to get you the puck certain spots, and hes a lot of fun to play with.

But for me, I think my job kind of stays the same, right? I always try and say no matter what position Im in, Im always going to be the guy that plays.

While Donato is still trying to play the same way that got him promoted to the top line, he did address things do change a little.

Obviously, there are some things that change, but as far as just preparing mentally for the game and what I need to do, its the same, he said.

Im going to try to hound pucks.

Im going to forecheck, try to create pucks that he can get, and hopefully get him some more possessions.

Bedard also lamented that it has been fun playing together and praised how hard Donato works and how he causes chaos on the ice.

Donato did start on Bedards line at the beginning of the season last year, but now his role is more defined, and so is the chemistry.

From the practice lines, it looks like Kurashev, Bedard, and Donato will continue to be the top line for the time being.

Part of the reason why the Blackhawks signed Donato to a two-year deal in free agency in 2023 is because of his versatility, which has been quite an asset for Chicago as they continue to look for ways to up their offense.

This article first appeared on Chicago Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission..

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