During this past off-season, the Tampa Bay Lightning brought back defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick. Given how well his first stint with the Lightning went, fans were naturally excited about his return to Tampa Bay.
McDonagh did not disappoint in his first season back with the Lightning this year, as he was excellent. In 82 games on the year, he posted four goals, 31 points, 152 blocks, and an NHL-best plus-43 rating. Overall, McDonagh once again provided the Bolts with solid offense from the point and immense dependability with his strong defensive play.
McDonagh is now entering the final season of his contract in 2025-26, meaning he will become eligible to sign a contract extension with the Lightning starting July 1. With how excellently he played this campaign, the Bolts should seriously consider signing him to an extension once they can.
The Lightning's blueline suffered tremendously when the reliable McDonagh was with the Predators. It is why they decided to bring him back, and one of their top goals this summer should be to extend him. He is still an impactful top-four defenseman who can handle big minutes, so it would be great if the Lightning the 15-year veteran up on a new extension this off-season.
In 349 games over six seasons and two stints as a Bolt, McDonagh has recorded 24 goals, 106 assists, 130 points, and a plus-117 rating.
The reliable Ryan McDonagh
In his first year back with the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2024-2025 NHL regular season, Ryan McDonagh skillfully proved to hockey fans far and wide why he is one of the most reliable defensive defensemen in the National Hockey League.
The 2024-2025 NHL regular season showed that McDonagh can still keep up with a cup contending roster. While he may not be as flashy as Victor Heiman, Cale Makar, or Quinn Hughes, he still manages to provide quality value on the defensive side of the puck. He understands and practices the fundamentals of defense whenever he is on the ice. With the Lightning aiming towards making the playoffs once again, McDonagh will look to continue his underrated role on the Lightning defense.
Despite his best intentions, McDonagh's future in Tampa may be uncertain. PuckPedia announces that Ryan McDonagh will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-2026 NHL regular season. While McDonagh surely wishes he could see into the future, all he can do is focus on the present. McDonagh is one hockey's most stellar defensive defensemen and will do all he can to push Tampa Bay towards once last Stanley Cup. Should Tampa Bay become the victors of the National Hockey League once again, fans can rest easy knowing Ryan McDonagh was a major factor in that coveted championship.
