Key Takeaways:
– Defenseman Ryan McDonagh has returned to the Tampa Bay Lightning from the Nashville Predators in a trade deal.
– McDonagh was part of the Lightning team that won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021.
– The Lightning has just over $5 million in cap space following this trade and they still have key free agents to re-sign.
The Tampa Bay Lightning Welcomes McDonagh Back
The Tampa Bay Lightning has recently re-acquired defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators. Announced on May 21, the trade deal saw the Lightning also acquire a fourth-round pick in the 2024 draft in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick in 2024.
McDonagh, who was part of the Lightning when they won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021, has two years left on his contract. He is set to earn a salary of $6,750,000 per season.
Expressing Gratitude and Optimistic Future Views
Nashville General Manager Barry Trotz expressed his gratitude for McDonagh in an official statement. Trotz commended McDonagh’s leadership qualities and dedication, acknowledging his impact on the team both on and off the ice. He also extended well-wishes to McDonagh and his family as they transition back to the Lightning organization.
Further noting the trade’s impact on the Predators, Trotz lauded the addition of draft picks, stating that this move allows the team to continue making enhancements to the squad during the offseason.
Highlighting McDonagh’s Achievements
McDonagh played for the Lightning for five seasons after a trade from the New York Rangers in 2018. He proved crucial to the Lightning’s defense, contributing to the team’s consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021.
However, the Lightning traded McDonagh to Nashville for Philippe Myers and Grant Mismash on July 3, 2022. The move was deemed necessary due to the Lightning pressing against the salary cap.
In his recent return to Tampa Bay, McDonagh reflected fondly on his previous stint with the franchise. He expressed that Tampa Bay holds a special place in his heart, given the success and memories created there. During his stay with the Predators, McDonagh had 3 goals and 29 assists on record, accumulating 32 points in 74 games.
Cap Concerns for Lightning
Despite the joy of welcoming back McDonagh, concerns linger for the Lightning who currently see about $5,035,000 in cap space, according to CapFriendly. The team still has essential free agents to re-sign, including their captain, Steven Stamkos.
Furthermore, trade deadline acquisitions Anthony Duclair and Matt Dumba are both pending free agents. They have spoken previously about their interest in re-signing with the Lightning.
As of now, the Lightning’s roster for the 2024-25 NHL season includes 10 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies, including the freshly re-acquired Ryan McDonagh.
As the Lightning celebrate the return of a key figure like McDonagh, the challenge lies in working within the cap space constraints. Fans eagerly anticipate how Tampa Bay will proceed in bolstering its squad while managing cap space.