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Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

NHL Rumors: Donato, Blackhawks, McDavid, Bouchard, Oilers

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 12:40 PM ET

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Scott Powers of The Athletic revealed that the Chicago Blackhawks put a contract offer on the table for Ryan Donato. It obviously wasn’t signed. Now what? Meanwhile, what is the latest on Connor McDavid’s injury, and how are the Edmonton Oilers approaching contract extension talks with their captain? Finally, how does Jakob Chychrun‘s extension impact talks between the Edmonton Oilers and Evan Bouchard?

Will Donato Sign the Offer From the Blackhawks?

Donato wasn’t traded at this season’s deadline because the team decided they preferred to retain his services. A contract offer was made but not signed. Scott Powers of The Athletic writes:

“The offer is believed to be three years with a $4 million annual cap hit. Donato didn’t jump at the deal at the deadline, which probably makes sense on his side. There was no reason to rush into it. It doesn’t sound like he and the Blackhawks have negotiated since then, but you would think that changes between now and free agency.”
source – ‘Ryan Donato’s value, Tyler Bertuzzi’s hot/cold meter, Connor Bedard’s instincts: 10 thoughts’ – Scott Powers – The Athletic – 03/23/2025

Term sounds like it could be the biggest hurdle. Donato is looking for stability, and the Blackhawks don’t want to go too long on contracts for veteran players.

McDavid Injury News and Contract Talk

Speaking on Sportsnet’s After Hours this past Saturday, Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said something interesting when it came to Connor McDavid’s next contract and how the organization is approaching his extension. Not surprisingly, Bowman made it clear that retaining their captain is the organization’s top priority.

Perhaps a bit more intriguing was the very relaxed aura Bowman was giving off about a new deal. Bowman noted:

“He’s the most important player we have here, so that is priority number one. Now’s probably not the time to be talking about that, but we all know Connor is going to be here and that we’re going to make it happen.”

Bowman also joked that the Oilers don’t want the talks to run too far over the July 1 date McDavid can be signed, as getting him locked in right away avoids any unnecessary speculation.

As per Jason Gregor, “McDavid and Draisaitl are unlikely to play any of the three games this week.” The good news, however, is that John Klingberg has been cleared to play. He, Ty Emberson (who has been a healthy scratch) and Troy Stecher will battle for the third pair RD. Gregor noted, “I could see each of them getting one game this week as Oilers play three games in four days starting Wednesday. Stecher has played really well lately.”

Will Chychrun’s Deal Impact Bouchard’s Extension?

When Jakob Chychrun signed his eight-year contract extension with the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, analysts immediately compared it to the one the Oilers would ultimately sign with Evan Bouchard.

Frank Seravalli said the Oilers need to do what they can to ensure Bouchard’s deal is under $10 million per season. “I do think they’re comparable players, at least statistically, although stylistically, they’re different.” Seravalli believed talks with Chycrhun started in the high 7s and jumped to $9 million.

Former GM and agent Brian Lawton said:

“I would have Evan ahead of Jakob. But some people would disagree with that because they would say that Jakob’s game is more well-rounded on, and I’m talking just in value. But there are more comparables than people would know, too. There’s a standard out there for top guys, and Evan’s put up huge points, and I could easily see why he would want to gravitate to the elite of the elite, particularly Rasmus Dahlin at $11 million (AAV)… I could see one side (the Bouchard camp) being there, and one side (the Oilers) being where Jakob Chychrun is very easily…’