The 25-year-old forward became an unrestricted free agent after the San Jose Sharks did not extend him a qualifying offer. He scored 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 50 games for San Jose last season after he was acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 5 for a third-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. It was Donato's third consecutive season with at least 20 points.
"Ryan's hockey sense and ability to contribute on the score sheet are two ingredients we are excited to add to our forward group," Kraken general manager Ron Francis said. "We like his offensive potential and believe he can add scoring depth."
Selected by the Boston Bruins in the second round (No. 56) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Donato has scored 77 points (35 goals, 42 assists) in 180 regular-season games with the Sharks, Wild and Bruins. He does not have a point in five Stanley Cup Playoff games.
The Kraken will play their first regular-season game at the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 12.
