General Manager Julien BriseBoise of the Tampa Bay Lighting said on Tuesday that defenseman Ryan McDonagh was acquired by the organization again through a trade with the Nashville Predators. The Lightning got the two-time Stanley Cup champion along with the Edmonton Oilers’ fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, while the Bolts received a 2025 second-round selection and a 2024 seventh-round pick from Nashville.
“We are aware of the outcome,” BriseBois stated to the press on Tuesday. “We are aware of his fit. It’s known that he enjoys being here. He desires to be present. At some point, we want to be able to extend our relationship with him on the squad by signing him for a longer term than these two years. Originally, Tampa Bay sent McDonagh to Nashville in July 2022 in exchange for defenseman Philippe Myers and winger Grant Mismash. Despite McDonagh’s significant contribution to the team’s success, the Lightning were forced to make the decision at the time due to the salary cap.
McDonagh helped Tampa Bay get to the Stanley Cup Final for three consecutive seasons and was the key for the team hosting the Cup back-to-back years in 2020 and 2021, and his 23:10 average time on ice ranked second among all Lightning skaters.
With two years remaining on his contract, taking him through the 2025-26 season, McDonagh will be turning 35 next month, and he feels confident with where his game is at.
As pumped as his teammates are to have him back, McDonagh seems just as excited to make his return to Tampa. Having extensive familiarity with the team, city and staff, McDonagh expressed his confidence in the group’s ability to make another run at the Stanley Cup.
On the ice, I was able to exert a little more control over the game, play the style I like to play, and be difficult to play against. It was almost like being my old self. I’ll take care of myself, but I’ll also engage in aggressive behavior. Over the last year, I played a slightly more offensive role here. stated McDonagh.
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