DONATO DEALT TO SAN JOSE
The San Jose Sharks acquired forward Ryan Donato from the Minnesota Wild for a third-round draft pick in 2021.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
In Donato, the Sharks land an offensive forward who failed to establish himself with either the Boston Bruins or the Wild in his first two pro campaigns. The 24-year-old Donato should get a better opportunity with San Jose, a team looking for secondary scoring on the cheap. Donato's cap hit for 2020-21 is manageable ($1.9 million) and he then becomes a restricted free agent. This is a low-cost move by the Sharks that might end up paying big dividends.
What does it give the Minnesota Wild
With Donato seemingly on the outside looking in with Minnesota, the team decided to move him for a third-round draft selection in '21 (a pick originally belonging to Pittsburgh). Wild GM Bill Guerin is looking to put his stamp on the organization, so expect more moves in the off-season. The team needs more help at the center spot but obviously felt Donato could not help them at that position (even though he has experience playing down the middle).
Fantasy impact
This deal may dramatically shift Donato's fantasy value (for the better). He now has some sleeper appeal going to a Sharks team that is a lot less deep on the wings than the Wild are. Draft Donato as a potential last-round steal in 2020-21.
