The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Thursday they’ve signed defenseman Ryan McDonagh to a three-year contract extension worth $4.1 million annually.
McDonagh is finishing the final season of a seven-year, $47.25-million deal he signed with Tampa Bay in 2018. The Lightning traded him to the Nashville Predators in 2022 because of salary cap constraints but brought him back before this season started.
The 36-year-old has six points in 15 games this season.
He’s averaging over 20 minutes per night, something he’s done in 15 of his 16 NHL seasons.
McDonagh was a key defenseman during Tampa Bay’s back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. His return gives the Lightning an experienced presence on their blue line as they look to make another playoff run.
The contract keeps McDonagh in Tampa Bay through the 2027-28 season. He’ll be 39 when the deal expires.
