Defenseman Ryan McDonagh has signed a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning, worth an average annual value of $4.1 million. The deal begins next season and keeps the 36-year-old alternate captain in Tampa Bay. McDonagh, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the team, has been sidelined by an injury since November 8.
The Tampa Bay Lightning secured the services of veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh on Thursday with a three-year contract extension valued at $12.3 million, carrying an average annual value of $4.1 million. The agreement starts next season, preventing McDonagh from becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1. At 36 years old, McDonagh serves as an alternate captain and has been out of action since November 8 due to an undisclosed injury.
This season, McDonagh has recorded six points (three goals and three assists) in 15 games, averaging 20:10 of ice time per game, which ranks third among Lightning defensemen behind Victor Hedman (22:36) and J.J. Moser (21:33). Over two stints with Tampa Bay (2018-22 and 2024-present), he has amassed 136 points (27 goals, 109 assists) and a plus-118 rating in 364 regular-season games. He led the NHL with a plus-43 rating last season and is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021, contributing 26 points (two goals, 24 assists) in 94 playoff games.
"It wasn't a long negotiation," McDonagh said. "I think both parties were really excited to get something done and it happened relatively quickly. And I'm thrilled with the result. I couldn't be happier."
McDonagh praised the organization, noting, "A top team wanting you to be part of it and putting their belief in you to ultimately achieve what we're shooting for here... This place is special in many ways. You can find a lot of places to live and work in this world, but it's the people that make a place truly special."
Lightning coach Jon Cooper lauded McDonagh, saying, "'Mac' is one of a kind. If guys like Ryan McDonagh can't get in the Hall of Fame, then I'm not sure why we would have a Hall of Fame."
Career-wise, the St. Paul, Minnesota native, drafted 12th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007, has 426 points (83 goals, 343 assists) and a plus-290 rating—best among active players—in 1,025 NHL games across the Rangers, Predators, and Lightning. He was acquired by Tampa Bay from New York in 2018 and reacquired from Nashville in May 2024.