Ryan Donato is back.
The Boston Bruins on Wednesday recalled the 22-year-old forward from Providence. Donato began the season in Boston but was assigned to Providence on Nov. 1 after logging just one goal and zero assists through 11 games.
The Harvard product posted five goals and four assists for nine points in 10 games with the P-Bruins.
👋 @DonatoRyan #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/Mtl81FCLR6
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 28, 2018
As great as it is to see Donato back in the NHL, it does come at a cost for Boston.
The Bruins also announced defenseman Kevan Miller will be out for at least a month with a cartilage injury to his larynx. The physical blueliner suffered the injury Monday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
#NHLBruins issue update on Kevan Miller: https://t.co/NwH5tzDpwH
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 28, 2018
As for Donato, it remains to be seen where — and how much — the speedy winger will play.
His performance at the beginning of the season didn’t justify much playing time and raised questions about whether the Massachusetts native is ready for a full-time role in the NHL. Still, Donato did rack up five goals and four assists in 12 games after being called up last season. His talent is evident.