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Prospect Profile: Ryan Donato, the Harvard Man!

Crimson player and Bruins hopeful Ryan Donato is impressing at every level. Boston fans should be excited.

By erinwalsh
Olympics: Ice Hockey-Men Team Group B - USA-SVK David E. Klutho-USA TODAY Sports

Harvard University’s Ryan Donato was drafted by the B’s in the second round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft(56 overall) and has been impressing ever since.

This kid is one of Harvard’s best players with 21 goals and 10 assists(31 points) in 23 games. While no NHL players are in the Olympics this year, Donato made the USA hockey roster and is tearing it up. Playing on the second line with the shootout hero, Troy Terry, and Mark Arcobello has been very beneficial for the budding star. Donato scored both of Team USA’s goals against Slovakia to help the team get their first win of the tournament 2-1. He also recorded an assist in the US’s first game against Slovenia in which they unfortunately lost in overtime. Here is a fantastic view of his GWG against the Slovaks.

On many Bruins top prospects list, Donato flew under the radar. It wasn’t until he was named to the Olympic roster that he started to receive more credit from B’s fans. He deserves way more credit than people give him after putting together a great season for Harvard so far. Donato has elite goal scoring skills and is growing his game in the skating and physical aspects at Harvard. He has terrific vision and is able to find the net and create goal scoring opportunities for his teammates. This kid is a true team player and will do anything to succeed. During the 2017 Beanpot, Donato scored this beauty in the final.

After the Olympics, there is speculation that Donato will sign with the B’s and report immediately to Boston. While that would be nice, the best and most likely thing to happen for Donato will be to sign and head to the Providence Bruins. Yes, he already has NHL caliber talent, but he needs a taste of the pros before coming up to play for Boston. Have him work on his physicality and strength in Providence, and then give him a shot at the big club for the 2018-19 season.

Overall, Bruins fans should be EXTREMELY excited about Donato. Right now he seems like an absolute second round steal. Watch him play Olympic hockey and tell me this kid won’t make the roster next season, I dare you! The Havahd man is going to bring his skill and smarts to Boston.

I hope you’re ready, B’s fans. Because Donato seems like he was born ready for the big time.