Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard issued a powerful statement to General Manager Kyle Davidson as trade rumors swirl around Ryan Donato, who had a breakout NHL season.

Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

© Ethan Miller/Getty Images Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As the Chicago Blackhawks endure a lackluster 2024-25 NHL season, the standout story has been Ryan Donato’s breakout year. However, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the horizon, the overperforming forward is drawing interest from several contenders. Ahead of the trade deadline, franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard issued a powerful message to GM Kyle Davidson regarding his teammate, Donato.

The Blackhawks lost to the Ottawa Senators in a close game decided by a somewhat controversial overtime goal. After the buzzer sounded on the 4-3 defeat at home, the Original Six franchise shifts its focus to the crucial NHL trade deadline on March 7.

It’s desperation time in the league, with contenders scouring the market for last-minute additions, while Chicago and other sellers hope to command hefty prices for their valuable assets.It’s the NHL‘s equivalent to last-minute Christmas shopping, and the store on Michigan Avenue in Chi-Town certainly isn’t closing its shutters anytime soon.

The most coveted player on the Blackhawks is Ryan Donato, who has thrived this season despite Bedard and the team’s struggles. Donato has shown he can produce even in adverse conditions, and teams eyeing the Stanley Cup can only imagine how his production could skyrocket with talented and motivated teammates alongside him.

Ryan Donato #8 of the Chicago Blackhawks arrives to the red carpet prior to the game against the Vegas Golden Knights at the United Center on October 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

Ryan Donato #8 of the Chicago Blackhawks arrives to the red carpet prior to the game against the Vegas Golden Knights at the United Center on October 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

Bedard’s production has taken a severe toll this season, and the lack of talent around him is equally to blame as his own’s performance. As the 19-year-old recognizes one of his best teammates could leave the organization, Bedard made something clear to Davidson and the front office in Chicago.

“”Obviously you want [Donato] to stay, but everything is a business. We’ll see what happens tomorrow,” Bedard stated, per Charlie Roumeliotis. “He’s been a stud this year. Every game, he goes and is giving 110% and making a difference. He’s been great. Me and him are pretty close, and just his approach to the game and his professionalism, it’s great and that means a lot to leadership in our room and everything.“

Has the noise affected Donato?

His season with the Blackhawks has caught the eye of every team in the NHL, yet Ryan Donato isn’t losing sight of what’s important, as he remains laser-focused on righting the ship in Chicago. Interim head coach Anders Sorensen spoke about his mentality, as the Hawks gear up to host the Utah HC on Friday.

“No, (the trade talk hasn’t affected Donato),” Sorensen admitted. “Even this morning , I was talking to him about yesterday’s game and today, and he’s upbeat and ready to go again, ready to practice. So, no, not at all.”

Connor Bedard #98 and Petr Mrazek #34 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate after defeating the Nashville Predators at the United Center on February 07, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Connor Bedard #98 and Petr Mrazek #34 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate after defeating the Nashville Predators at the United Center on February 07, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Petr Mrazek breaks silence after latest decision

Sorensen announced the Blackhawks will be rotating between goaltenders Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom going forward. Thus, 33-year-old Petr Mrazek won’t be taken into account by the team. Despite the tough news, the veteran goalie kept a cool head, issuing a very professional statement.

“I’ve been in way worse situations in my career. I’m a positive person. It’s still a great day to be around,” Mrazek said, according to Charlie Roumeliotis. “Sody and Spence are young guys, and they have their whole career in front of them. I’m going to be here to support them, I’m going to be happy around them, make sure they feel comfortable.”

In no rush to skip town

“We don’t want to jump into rush decisions or anything,” Mrazek added. “If anything comes and makes sense for Kyle and hopefully for me, as well, then we might have a discussion. We’ll see what happens today or tomorrow, or in the summer. You don’t want to just jump into something quickly for something that might not make sense, so we’ll see what happens now or in the summer