What he brings to juniors
Donnelly merits consideration for a junior development evaluation built from recurring youth responsibility. His movement and control-after-contact assessment supplies a practical focus for testing how he could help manage defensive possessions.
What translates
The available opinion describes mobility and saved-puck handling. A staff should trace the first save through the following action to see whether his contact leaves recovery options rather than forcing a rushed second response.
Watch-list assessmentWhy he is on the radar
Watch placement recognizes a worthwhile technical foundation with the junior translation still open. A direct evaluation is needed to define whether those tools fit a club's pace and development plan.
Next development step
The useful next check is recovery toward a rebound that changes the shooting lane. Early recognition and controlled movement would make the connection between his youth tools and junior team value clearer.
Competitive context
His 2025–26 record with Notre Dame HA 15U lists 32 appearances, with a 1.70 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.