Connect with us

Published

on

CHICAGO — Ryan Donato wanted to stay, and the Chicago Blackhawks wanted to keep the hard-charging forward.

It took a while, but they figured it out.

The Blackhawks announced Wednesday that they had re-signed Donato to a four-year, $16 million contract. He was eligible for unrestricted free agency before agreeing to his new deal with his fifth NHL team.

“Ryan brings energy and competes hard every game which has been a huge asset to our team over the last two seasons,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “He’s been a crucial part of our offense, and we’re excited for Ryan to continue to make a difference in our lineup for the next four years.”

The 29-year-old Donato is coming off a breakout performance. He set career highs with 31 goals and 31 assists in 80 games this season. His previous career bests were 16 goals in 2021-22 with Seattle and 18 assists in his first season with Chicago.

Donato’s camp had conversations with the team about a new contract ahead of the trade deadline, but the sides weren’t able to finish the job. The Blackhawks ended up holding onto Donato through the deadline.

“We did have a rapid discussion around then, and it didn’t get done, but I wouldn’t say there’s a hurdle or anything like that,” Davidson said during the team’s end-of-season availability with reporters in April. “Once you get past the deadline, everyone takes a little breather, and then you’re near the end of the season. I think things will pick up now that we’re through the year.”

Donato’s contract answers one major question for Chicago as it tries to move back into contention after years of losing. The Blackhawks went 25-46-11 this past season, finishing last in the Central Division and No. 31 overall in the NHL.

Donato, a Boston native and Harvard University product, has 108 goals and 119 assists in 483 career games, also playing for the Bruins, Wild and Sharks. He joined the Blackhawks when he signed a $4 million, two-year contract with the team in 2023.

“We have obviously a super bright future here, and there’s going to be guys that make tremendous gains this summer that help the team, you know, win more games,” Donato said in April. “And I think Blackhawks fans and a lot of people are going to be surprised how quickly things can turn.”

Continue Reading

Sports

White Sox put Meidroth on IL with bruised thumb

Published

on

By

White Sox put Meidroth on IL with bruised thumb

SEATTLE — The Chicago White Sox placed rookie shortstop Chase Meidroth on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a right thumb contusion ahead of their 4-3, 11-inning loss in their series finale against the Seattle Mariners.

Meidroth, who is hitting .252 with three home runs, 15 RBIs and 11 stolen bases, said he will be shut down from swinging for “a few days.” He hasn’t registered an at-bat since July 30 against the Philadelphia Phillies, when he was hit by a Taijuan Walker sinker in the fifth inning.

Also Thursday, Chicago selected the contract of shortstop Jacob Amaya from Triple-A Charlotte and designated right-handed pitcher Gus Varland for assignment.

Continue Reading

Sports

Ticket to reprise: Mets honor Beatles’ Shea 60th

Published

on

By

Ticket to reprise: Mets honor Beatles' Shea 60th

NEW YORK — The Mets will honor the 60th anniversary of the Fab Four’s performance at Shea Stadium, where they will host the Mariners on Aug. 15 for The Beatles Night at Citi Field.

The 1965 performance was a milestone because The Beatles became the first rock band to perform a major stadium concert. A 50-minute documentary titled “The Beatles at Shea Stadium” captured the show. At the time, the multipurpose stadium was home to the Mets and New York Jets.

The celebration will begin with a performance by 1964 the Tribute in front of Shea Bridge at 6:15 p.m. ET. The first 15,000 fans to enter Citi Field will receive an exclusive Shea Stadium replica.

The first pitch will be thrown by members of the game-day staff who worked the famous concert. A themed fireworks show will be held after the game.

Continue Reading

Sports

M’s Naylor exits with sore shoulder after swing

Published

on

By

M's Naylor exits with sore shoulder after swing

SEATTLE — Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor left Thursday’s 4-3 victory against the Chicago White Sox in the third inning because of shoulder soreness, manager Dan Wilson said.

In his first at-bat against White Sox starter Shane Smith, Naylor grimaced after swinging at a high, inside fastball. He walked down the first base line and back before finishing his at-bat, which ended with a strikeout.

Naylor stayed in the game, but later exited after grounding out to second base to end the third inning.

Wilson told reporters after the game that Naylor is day-to-day.

Naylor, one of Seattle’s notable trade deadline acquisitions from the Arizona Diamondbacks, is hitting .289, with 14 home runs, 65 RBI and 21 stolen bases this season. Since joining the Mariners, the left-hander is batting .261 with three home runs and 10 stolen bases.

While with the Diamondbacks, the left-handed hitter was pulled from a June 23 game — also against the White Sox — in the fourth inning due to right shoulder discomfort. Naylor avoided a stint on the injured list and returned to the lineup two days later.

Donovan Solano, who hadn’t played in two weeks, took over at first base for Seattle when Naylor exited.

The Mariners, who swept a series for the first time since July 11-13, moved within 1 1/2 games of first-place Houston in the American League West.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Continue Reading

Trending