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Many teams might take their time making certain moves because the trade deadline is still far off, but for those that are having trouble early on, the sooner the better. The Boston Bruins, who enter Tuesday with a 4-4-1 record—good for just nine points—fall into the latter group.

We obviously expected to see more from the Bruins, but sometimes, as it is right now, luck isn’t on a team’s side. They’re also having trouble with goals against and goals scored on both ends of the rink. The Bruins are just 19th in the NHL going into their game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, with 27 goals scored and 20th in goals allowed, with 32.

They need someone to step up or make an early-season purchase to help lessen the agony, as indicated by the minus-5 goal differential. Due to their very low output, one player is a forward that not many will consider. They would help the cause and put an end to these early-season problems, though, if the Bruins were to acquire and retain them on the bottom lines.

Early acquisition of an undervalued forward could be advantageous for the Boston Bruins.
The Chicago Blackhawks forward in question is Ryan Donato, who has recently seen somewhat of a comeback in the Windy City. Although Donato might eventually play a role in Chicago’s long-term ambitions, the team doesn’t seem to have what it takes to contend for the playoffs this season, so middle-aged players like Donato might be moving elsewhere.

If Donato maintains his strong play (five points and four goals in the last four games), the Hawks might want more for him, but in the end, the former Bruin might be a steal for Boston. Additionally, if he continues to score goals and adds another physical edge to Boston’s game, he might contribute as a depth scorer.

Donato’s ability to move the puck effectively this season in Chicago, with a Corsi For at even strength of 47.4 while making 39.1 percent of his starts in the offensive zone, is what I truly admire about him. For a defense-first player who has been scoring goals like crazy lately, it’s not awful, is it?

Along with having an impressive on-ice save percentage of 93.0, Donato has also been on the ice at even strength for a goal 18.2 percent of the time. These are all outstanding advanced metrics for a hockey team that is rebuilding.

Even if all of this could alter soon, Donato might be a more affordable addition to a club that needs to improve.