Tampa Bay Lightning management is working with Ryan McDonagh to try and find a trade fit, according to insider Elliotte Friedman. He writes in a recent article, they are trying to “see if there’s another team he’d consider a trade to.”
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Friedman notes that the Lightning are not happy about having to do this as “McDonagh’s still a tremendous player (he was on the ice for the last shift to preserve the team’s Game 5 victory in Denver that prolonged the Stanley Cup Final) and is hugely popular among his teammates, who were disappointed to hear of the possibility.” He adds, “It’s not what Tampa wants to do, but may have to do.”
McDonagh, 33, has been a rock-steady defenceman for the Lightning since being acquired from the New York Rangers during the 2018-19 season. The veteran suited up for 71 games this season, registering four goals and 26 points while averaging north of 22 minutes per game. This move, if it is to happen, isn’t one the Lightning want to make, but are likely going to be forced to due to their salary cap situation.
Friedman mentioned that the Lightning players were upset to hear of this development, but the organization is looking to do it in order to re-sign pending free agents such as Ondrej Palat, Nick Paul and Jan Rutta. As mentioned, he remains a very high-end defenceman at this time, but with four years remaining on his deal that pays him $6.75 million annually, it will be interesting to see how many teams line up to try and acquire him. Nevertheless, barring a change in direction, it appears his time with the Lightning will soon be coming to an end.
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