Ryan McDonagh Returns to Tampa Bay in Trade with Nashville

[Perfettis]

In a significant move,  Ryan McDonagh has been traded back to the Tampa Bay Lightning by the Nashville Predators. The trade involves McDonagh,  a 34-year-old defenseman,  being swapped for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft,  a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft,  and the Edmonton Oilers fourth-round pick in the 2024 draft.

McDonagh,  who recorded 32 points 3 goals,  29 assists) in 74 games for the Predators this season https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-usa-matthew-tkachuk-jersey,  will be returning to the Lightning after playing five seasons with the team,  including winning Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. He expressed a mix of emotions about the trade,  acknowledging the bonds he formed with his former teammates in Nashville while also feeling excited about rejoining a Tampa Bay squad that he knows well.

Its a lot of emotions both ways whenever you get traded,  McDonagh said. You think about the guys you just played with and competed with in the playoffs and also the opportunity that lies ahead,  with obviously a group Im very familiar with.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed that the trade would not impact the team's ongoing efforts to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos,  who can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. BriseBois mentioned that there is still cap space available,  allowing the Lightning to pursue a deal with Stamkos while managing their roster for the future.

We still have some cap space,  BriseBois said. Steven Stamkos is not signed yet,  right? Thats ongoing. Were still able,  in my mind,  to get something done that makes sense for the organization with Steven even after acquiring Ryan McDonagh.

The Predators,  now holding nine picks for the 2024 NHL Draft,  have also made strategic moves to build for the future. General manager Barry Trotz explained that the trade was partly in response to a request from McDonagh,  who had expressed his desire to return to Tampa Bay due to the strong memories of his time there and his familys connection to the area.

"It was a request a little bit from Ryan, " Trotz said. "We talked at the end of the year,  and hes got so many good memories of his time in Tampa,  thats probably where him and his wife are going to settle. Out of respect for Ryan,  I talked to Julien and he made a fair deal that would allow Ryan to go back to Tampa."

McDonaghs trade to Tampa Bay marks another chapter in his career. Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007,  McDonagh was later traded to the New York Rangers,  where he began to make his mark in the NHL. After a stint with the Rangers,  McDonagh was traded to Tampa Bay in 2018,  where he became an integral part of their defense and helped the Lightning capture back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.

"Ive got nothing but respect for Barry and everything that he did for my family here in Nashville, " McDonagh said,  reflecting on his time with the Predators. "But I cant say that Im not excited about Julien and Tampa wanting me back."

McDonagh's leadership on and off the ice has earned him admiration throughout the league. Trotz spoke highly of McDonaghs character,  calling him one of the best leaders hes worked with during his career.

"Ryan is one of those great people in the game that you come across, " Trotz said. "Hes a serial winner and you understand why. Hes a fantastic person,  and I respect him greatly."

With the trade,  McDonagh adds depth to Tampa Bays blue line for the remainder of his contract,  which runs for two more seasons at an average annual value of $6.75 million. As McDonagh looks forward to rejoining the Lightning,  hes already reconnecting with his former teammates,  including Stamkos,  and is eager to contribute to the teams future success.

Ive talked to Stammer directly,  McDonagh said. Its great to hear and feel their excitement again for me joining the group. The leadership there is obviously still tremendous,  and how can you not be excited to join a group of guys like that?

As McDonagh heads back to Tampa Bay,  the team hopes his experience and leadership will help them continue to compete at a high level,  while the Predators move forward with their draft picks and long-term planning.







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