Ryan Donato has spent much of his career hearing about what he is NOT (a dynamic skater or top end scorer) rather than what he IS (a versatile forward who can plugged into different spots in the lineup and reliably score double-digit goals even toward the bottom end of the lineup).

Donato, without much fanfare, did a nice job for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. He'll be an unrestricted free agent next summer and is exactly the type of role player that gets moved at or near the trade deadline. However, there is also a chance that a team looking for veteran depth at an affordable ($2M cap hit) cost could go in early on Donato, perhaps even before the season.

From what I've heard, there are at least two teams -- Dallas is one, his original NHL club (Boston) another -- who might get in early on the 28-year-old vet as a preemptive rental.

Last season, clubs took notice of how Donato could help a team expected to make the playoffs as a Swiss army knife type of role player. He hasn't been on a playoff team in three of the last four years. However, out of necessity, the Blackhawks moved Donato all over the lineup and used him both at center and wing. There was even a stretch where head coach Luke Richardson had Donato on Connor Bedard's line, and saw some chemistry.

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