When attempting to define the word reliability, one needs to look no further than Ryan McDonagh. After defensive struggles in the 2023-2024 NHL season, the Lightning looked towards acquiring Ryan McDonagh once again.
McDonagh was initially moved from the Tampa Bay Lightning due to salary cap struggles. However when McDonagh’s absence was duly noted on the blue line, the Lightning realized they needed to bring back the veteran defenseman.
In just his first year back with the squad, Ryan McDonagh showed why he is one of the most reliable defensive defensemen in the National Hockey League. As per NHL.com, McDonagh during the 2024-2025 NHL regular season recorded four goals and 27 assists for 31 points. Yet, McDonagh’s most impressive stat came from somewhere beyond the scope of points. The back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion recorded a career high in plus minus with a whopping league leading positive 43 as listed on NHL.com.
McDonagh is a player who can be relied upon to log heavy minutes for an NHL team. This idea is deftly demonstrated by McDonagh’s career average of 22 minutes and 34 seconds of ice time as per NHL.com. Whether he be on the penalty kill or defending his team’s lead in the last few minutes of an NHL game, McDonagh is equipped for any situation.
In addition to McDonagh’s defense, his leadership is a key factor to the Tampa Bay Lightning. What many often forget is that McDonagh actually used to be a captain of an NHL team before his arrival in Tampa Bay. NHL.com states that Ryan McDonagh was the 27th captain of the New York Rangers before he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018. Any capacity in the NHL demands much of those blessed to carry the burden. Due to his prior experience as a captain, McDonagh brings a wealth of knowledge to the Lightning roster. McDonagh will look to continue elevating the Lightning through his role as not only a capable defenseman, but also a seasoned leader.
The 2024-2025 NHL regular season showed that McDonagh can still keep up with a cup contending roster. While he may not be as flashy as Victor Heiman, Cale Makar, or Quinn Hughes, he still manages to provide quality value on the defensive side of the puck. He understands and practices the fundamentals of defense whenever he is on the ice. With the Lightning aiming towards making the playoffs once again, McDonagh will look to continue his underrated role on the Lightning defense.
Despite his best intentions, McDonagh's future in Tampa may be uncertain. PuckPedia announces that Ryan McDonagh will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-2026 NHL regular season. While McDonagh surely wishes he could see into the future, all he can do is focus on the present. McDonagh is one hockey's most stellar defensive defensemen and will do all he can to push Tampa Bay towards once last Stanley Cup. Should Tampa Bay become the victors of the National Hockey League once again, fans can rest easy knowing Ryan McDonagh was a major factor in that coveted championship.