The Tampa Bay Lightning announced they have come to terms and re-signed defenceman Ryan McDonagh to a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension. The deal will carry a $4.1M average annual value salary cap hit. The Lightning have corrected things after having a rough start to the year. The Lightning have picked it up over the month of November and now sit in first place in the Atlantic Division with a 16-8-2 for 34 points.
Ryan McDonagh Has Re-Signed with the Lightning on a 3-Year $4.1M AAV Deal pic.twitter.com/CzwDu1JLVx
— The Hockey Podcast Network (@Hockeypodnet) December 4, 2025
Ryan McDonagh’s Career That Earned the Contract Extension
McDonagh has had a strong resurgence with the Lightning since being traded to the Nashville Predators back in 2022-23. Before the trade, he played 5 seasons with the Bolts from 2017-2022. McDonagh was part of the back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning rosters in 2020 and 2021.
This season, McDonagh has served as an alternate captain for the Lightning. In 15 games this season, he has three goals and three assists for six points. The Minnesota native is averaging 20:10 of ice time per game, third among Tampa Bay defencemen behind Victor Hedman (22:36) and J.J. Moser (21:33). McDonagh hasn’t played since November 8th due to an undisclosed injury. He took a puck to the skate in a game where the Lightning beat the Capitals 3-2.
What This Means
With McDonagh, the Lightning have made it clear that they will look to remain in win-now mode, locking a key part of their defence core. With McDonagh signing a three-year deal, the Lightning were likely able to sign him on a cheaper more team-friendly deal due to the more years. The Lightning are looking to build a few more cup runs while trusting the players they have now. The Lighting have a deep defence core with JJ Moser, and Victor Hedman leading the way, McDonagh serves as a compliment piece to the both of them.
When McDonagh returns to the Lightning lineup, the Bolts will improve an already solid roster that is first in the Atlantic. The offence core will always remain solid with players such as: Nikita Kucherov, Jake Guentzel, Brandon Hagel, and Brayden Point.
Main Photo Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images
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