The best late-season acquisition for the Boston Bruins could be one of their own.
Ryan Donato introduced himself to the world with two goals to help Team USA to a 2-1 win over Slovakia on Friday at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Locally, the 21-year-old junior forward from Harvard and Scituate native, is well known for his talents and hockey pedigree, which are a few reasons the Bruins selected him in the second round (56th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
What are the chances he foregoes his senior season with the Crimson and signs with the Bruins when this collegiate season is complete?
That decision is obviously up to him, his family and his representatives. There are so many reasons why he should turn pro. First and foremost, he is the type of kid who will finish his degree and will graduate from Harvard. From a hockey standpoint, he's ready for the pro level and could be a valuable asset for the Bruins this spring.
Let's get this straight: No matter how the Olympics end for Team USA, Donato will complete his junior season with Harvard. He won't leave his teammates, or his coach, who happens to be his father, Ted, hanging for the final month of the ECAC season.
If he decides to turn pro at that point, there's no denying he would be physically, mentally and emotionally ready for the NHL more than any other college player right now.
"He's a high-end prospect," said one NHL GM.
Ryan Donato with a LASER! He gets @usahockey on the board against Slovakia. #WinterOlympics https://t.co/zLZMW4yf7g pic.twitter.com/WtDYlAta0A
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 16, 2018
#NHLBruins prospect Ryan Donato with his second goal of the game, on the PP, gives #TeamUSA a 2-1 lead in the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/7b7ojPCXrN
— Boston Pucks (@BostonPucks) February 16, 2018