Breaking Trade: Tampa Bay Lightning Re-Acquire Ryan McDonagh

The Tampa Bay Lightning have reacquired their former assistant captain and two-time Stanley Cup champ Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators, in exchange for two draft picks.

Ryan McDonagh has been traded back to the Tampa Bay Lightning ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/vZa1QnbFtB
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 21, 2024

We have a trade to announce. https://t.co/ojluE3GZs5
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) May 21, 2024

WELCOME HOME, RYAN MCDONAGH !!

After two seasons with the Nashville Predators, the two time Stanley Cup champion is rejoining his former team.

The #Bolts are acquiring McDonagh and the Edmonton Oilers’ fourth round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft in exchange for two future picks —… pic.twitter.com/qecStOcgia
— Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) May 21, 2024

The Predators receive a 7th-round pick in the 2024 Draft, and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. In addition to McDonagh, the Bolts also receive Edmonton’s fourth-round pick in this year's Draft.

McDonagh waived his no-trade clause in order to accept the trade. He has a $6.75M cap hit for 2 more seasons, and there is no salary retention by the Preds on the deal.

The 34-year-old defenceman spent 4 1/2 seasons with the Lightning, and was a key factor in their two Stanley cup runs. In 2022 he led all players in the playoffs with a plus-minus rating of +18 in 23 games.

The Lightning wanted to add a top-4 D this summer. Going the UFA route likely would have meant more term than Tampa wanted to go to. So 2 years left on McDonagh deal made sense for the Bolts and obviously they know the player well. Will be a popular move in Bolts dressing room.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 21, 2024

Though turning 35 next month, McDonagh showed he's still a top-four d-man these past two seasons with the Predators, this year recording 32 points and a +19 rating.