The Tampa Bay Lightning dealt veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh to the Nashville Predators for blue-liner Philippe Myers and forward Grant Mismash, the teams announced Sunday.
In an attempt to clear cap space, the Lightning approached McDonagh about working out a trade after falling in the Stanley Cup Final. It was a deal they didn’t want to make but also had little choice if the plan was to keep as many of their group together as possible.
McDonagh is a reliable veteran two-way defenceman who can move the puck and has a ton of playoff and big-game experience. He’s no longer the stud defenseman he was with the New York Rangers, but is a solid top-four option for the Preds.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting, ”On Philippe Myers, acquired by TB in the McDonagh deal: he’s a unique contract case. If bought out, Lightning will have a $617K credit next season, then owe $633K in 2023-24.”
Reports suggested the St. Louis Blues were also interested in McDonagh before the deal to the Predators went down.
