Ryan Donato THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 4/9/1996
Place of birth: Scituate, Massachusetts
Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 176 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: C
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @DonatoRyan
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 49
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 37
Future Considerations: not ranked
Craig Button: not ranked
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 58
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The first prep school prospect I’ve profiled, Ryan Donato boasts impressive numbers and skill making him one of the top high school prospects in the country. He breaks the game down with his vision and hockey sense, an asset that made his father consistent NHL player.
He maneuvers around the ice and sees plays developing a few steps ahead of his peers. It allows him to be a great playmaker and goal scorer. Donato is a smooth skater, but could use some more effort in his overall speed an acceleration. When he improves that area of his game, he will be a potentially dangerous player in the NHL.
Although not tall, he has a deceptively fast shot and is tireless on the puck. Donato prides himself on his stickhandling. With very soft hands, Donato goes through defenses with little-to-no issues at all. He’s been climbing the rankings and is a forward many teams will be happy to draft in late June.
Where Will He End Up In June:
Donato, although very skilled, likely won’t get selected in the 1st round. However, I don’t think he slips past the 2nd round.
Scout’s Honor:
“Donato, son of former NHLer Ted, is an intelligent player who sees the ice well and has plenty of offensive skill. Possesses slick hands, solid vision and creative moves with the puck but has some issues with his mobility. Thinks the game at a high level. (November 2013)“
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“Elite scorer who has dominated the prep circuit for two years now, taking his production to another level this season. Not a dynamic skater in terms of top-end speed and explosiveness, but is highly fluid and elusive, with superb balance and edgework. Elite hands and hockey sense: slips through defenses, pounces on loose pucks and makes opponents pay for any mistake or opportunity they give him. Plays with a lot of energy and hustle; never stops moving his feet and despite being the most skilled player on the ice most nights, outworks just about everyone else, too. Upside, versatility and commitment to all three zones makes him an impressive long-term NHL prospect.“
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Ryan Donato commits to Harvard University
Interview with Over The Boards
ETA:
4-5 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 2/5 Reward: 4/5
NHL Potential:
2nd or 3rd line two-way center that can put up points and play a solid defensive game
Strengths:
Stickhandling
Work ethic
Edgework and fluidity
Balance
Controlling the puck
Accomplished goal scorer and playmaker
Vision
Slows the game down
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Speed
Acceleration
Rounding out his game in college
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 8/10 Defensive: 4/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Patrice Bergeron
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph