Klim Sergeyevich Kostin, who was traded to the San Jose Sharks this season but then changed his mind to join the Tampa Bay Lightning, is a new signee for the team and is in a strong position.
Tampa Bay Lightning, Also Acquire veteran defender Ryan McDonagh
Look who’s returned once more. Tell a friend that Mac has returned! The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired veteran defender Ryan McDonagh and a 2024 fourth-round draft selection from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick in the first significant transaction of the offseason.
Throughout his career, McDonagh has played for the New York Rangers, Lightning, and Predators after being originally picked by the Montreal Canadiens. His best years were spent in Tampa Bay, when he won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 by frequently shutting out opponents. He was also a member of the 2022 squad that lost in six games against the Colorado Avalanche, missing out on the chance to establish a modern-day dynasty.
However, general manager Julien Brisebois had to make some difficult decisions due to the salary cap, as McDonagh was traded to the Predators for forward prospect Grant Mismash and Philippe Myers.
He is a fantastic leader on the ice and will be a valuable complement to the youthful Lightning defensive core. Emil Lilleberg and Max Crozier saw action in the 2023–24 season, while Darren Raddysh and Nick Perbix recently concluded their second professional seasons. Barring a trade, all should be on the squad next season, along with veterans Mikhail Sergachev, Victor Hedman, and Erik Cernak.
In an interview with NHL.com, Predators general manager Barry Trotz stated that he made this decision in response to a request from McDonagh, who inquired about the possibility of his returning to Tampa Bay at his season-ending meeting.
Speaking about the transfer, McDonagh expressed his excitement, saying he had already talked with Steven Stamkos. Through NHL.com, he continued, saying, “The leadership there is obviously still tremendous.” When I spoke with Stammer this morning, he was just breaking the ice with Nikita Kucherov. How can you not be happy to be around players like that, who are improving their game here after just getting knocked in the first round? It’s May 21st, or whatever day it is. That is the benchmark that the players, administration, and coaching staff have established there.
The Lightning have a little over $5 million in salary space after McDonagh’s $6.75 million deal over the next two seasons, but Brisebois has stated that this won’t affect the team’s ability to re-sign Stamkos. This leads many to assume that, without the captain accepting a significant discount, there will likely be one or more trades in the near future. Perhaps the captain is persuaded to stay in Tampa Bay by the presence of a person who led this club to its finest finishes.
Could the Lightning recapture some of their past glory? Despite his unclear status, McDonagh’s acquisition strengthens the defense. Making the offensive dangerous will be further enhanced by adding Stamkos to the ranks of players like Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Brandon Hagel. When Andrei Vasilevskiy is fully recovered, this team’s potential is boundless.
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