Analytics with Alison: The Impact of Donato

If you're looking for Ryan Donato, when it comes to hockey, he's pretty easy to locate. At practice, he is one of the first players on the ice and one of the last players off. And when it's game time, the 25-year-old from Boston is usually right around the front of the net doing his part to create offense for the Kraken in the most dangerous areas of the ice.

With 33 games under his belt this season, in 5-on-5 play, Donato leads all Kraken skaters in shots taken (9.46 per 60) and shots attempted (16.01 per 60).
But it's not just about volume when you talk about Donato's offensive production, it's about where the shots are coming from. Of his 16 shot attempt average, usually around five are coming from high-danger areas directly in front of and around the opposing goal. As a result, the forward leads all Seattle skaters in individual shot quality (.87 individual expected goals per 60).
"I like to be a guy that is in the paint and trying to get rebounds and create second opportunities," Donato said. "When I have (teammates) get it there, it's definitely a good chance to get second opportunities."
How does that translate to the ice? The shot chart below from Evolving-Hockey.com shows the location of all of Donato's shot attempts this season. The bigger the diamond, the more high-quality the shot. Most of the work Donato is doing is in the areas that are the most difficult to defend if you're an opposing defender or goalie.

And for Donato, generating volume plus quality is equaling results. His 1.33 goals per 60 minutes of play is second only to Jared McCann this year and he has the top points per 60 of any Kraken player with 2.32.
What does all of that look like in action? On Monday versus Chicago, Donato had a "huge impact" as Dave Hakstol said.
First, the forward got himself in front of the net and was ultimately able to help create a key screen that factored into Vince Dunn's goal.

Seven minutes later, Donato's ability to get to the net coupled with his ability to create chances off the rush (he's third overall among Seattle skaters), led to a highlight reel-esque goal that tied the game and would ultimately force overtime and a shootout. (Donato had a goal then, too).

But as much as it's been Donato's offense that draws notice, he's impressed his coaches with the ability to continue to work on a more well-rounded game. His defensive ability has improved to a career-best this season in terms of shot suppression (49.97 shot attempts against per 60). That performance also places him among the top five Kraken forwards in the same measure.
With the pieces coming together, Donato has also seen his opportunity to make an impact grow. His rolling five-game average for time on ice has boosted from 12-13 minutes at the start of the season to 15-16 over the past eight games.
"The biggest thing that (Donato) continues to push is the complete 200-foot game, he's been very committed to that," Hakstol said. "He's been one of the most willing players in terms of working at his game. His play without the puck, his play with the puck... He's working hard defensively, and he's had a good impact offensively and pretty consistently.
"He's got an inner toughness to him. He can take direct information whether it's positive or negative and he can factor that into his game… I think that helps him in his drive to improve in the areas we're asking him to improve in."
All data via NaturalStatTrick.com and Evolving-Hockey.com and reflects 5-on-5 play unless otherwise stated.