Earlier this offseason, the Tampa Bay Lightning brought back Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick. With this move, McDonagh is anticipated to once again be a significant part of the Lightning's top four. 

McDonagh, 35, also has the potential to hit a significant milestone in his first season back in Tampa Bay. If the St. Paul, Minnesota native stays mostly healthy in 2024-25 and plays in 72 games, he will hit the 1,000-game mark of his career. 

The potential of McDonagh dressing for 72 games is certainly there. McDonagh appeared in 71 games in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons and 74 contests this past season. Thus, for the most part, he has done a solid job staying healthy in recent years. 

Once McDonagh reaches the 1,000-game mark, it will only make his already-strong NHL resume even better. In 928 career games split between the New York Rangers, Lightning, and Predators, McDonagh has 76 goals, 313 assists, 389 points, 1,057 hits, and a plus-246 rating. In addition, he is a former NHL captain, two-time All-Star, and two-time Stanley Cup champion. It has simply been a great career for the 2007 first-round pick.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if McDonagh can stay healthy and play in his 1,000th game this upcoming season from here. 

Lightning Have Intriguing Target in Phil Kessel

Former Lightning Defender Still Looking for New Home

Lightning Superstar Opens Up About Steven Stamkos Departure

Former Lightning Forward Signs With New Team

Lightning Top Target Lands PTO With Maple Leafs

Former Lightning Defender Finds New Home Overseas

Ex-Lightning Forward Scores PTO With Rangers

Lightning Have Interesting PTO Target in Ex-Oilers Forward