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.

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Photo Credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images