It has been nearly a month since Ryan McDonagh exited the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup, but now it appears a return is right around the corner. Erik Erlendsson of Lightning Insider shared that McDonagh was on the ice [https://x.com/Erik_Erlendsson/status/2014360882470330647], in a red non-contact jersey, during the team's practice as they prepared to face the Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow night. Erlendsson also shared the following: McDonagh is one of three Lightning defensemen currently out of the lineup, alongside Victor Hedman and Emil Lilleberg. This season, McDonagh has only appeared in 18 of the Lightning's 48 games. Offensively during that time he has recorded eight points, four goals and four assists. With Hedman also out of the lineup, getting McDonagh's experience back in the lineup will be a major addition for the Lightning as they continue to battle with the Detroit Red Wings for the top spot of the Atlantic Division. With McDonagh out this weekend, it means he'll miss at least two more games against the Chicago Blackhawks and the Columbus Blue Jackets. It's likely we'll see McDonagh returning to the lineup during the Lightning's upcoming homestand which begins on Monday and includes the Stadium Series matchup against the Boston Bruins on February 1, running until the Olympic break.
