Bruins Sign Olympic Star Ryan Donato to Entry-level Contract

The Boston Bruins suffered yet another injury in their 3-0 shutout win against the Lightning on Saturday as Backes was lacerated by a skate above his right knee, which required repair with 18 stitches. The injury was initially not expected to be anything major, but 18 stitches before playoffs is nothing to mess around with, and it appears the Bruins will be allowing Backes to get healed up before risking him having to suffer a longer recovery.

But there is a silver lining. Arguably the best prospect at the moment in the Bs organization (Ryan Donato) has been signed to a two-year entry-level contract. For those of you who do not know, Donato is a stud and I could not be happier about this move, despite the number of injuries it took for them to get this move done. I have a feeling this is going to pan out very similar to last year's playoffs where injuries plagued our blue line so badly that McAvoy was brought up and we all know how that story panned out.

Donato is a MA native and played NCAA for Harvard, where he averaged about a point-per-game over three seasons. He was also a Hobey Baker trophy finalist for best player in the NCAA. Not only that, but Donato played fantastically at this past olympics, showing his offensive prowess.

This kid is the real deal and he is a home-town guy, what's not to like? We will get our first taste of Donato tonight against the Blue Jackets where he looks like he will be lining up on the third line left wing along Acciari and Gionta. He will also be slotted into the first PP center role, so clearly they have confidence that he can produce.