In an attempt to bolster the New York Rangers' blue line, GM Chris Drury should look to the past in order to find the right presence. That could come from former Rangers captain, Ryan McDonagh who plays with the Tampa Bay Lightning.![Ryan McDonagh]()
The New York Rangers look remarkably different ahead of the 2025-26 season, with multiple moves sending important leaders out of the organization.
One of the last moves sent veteran Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, leaving a leadership gap in the organization.
Now, in order to fill that role, GM Chris Drury could look to the Rangers' past to bring in Ryan McDonagh, who's been in that position before.
McDonagh served as the Rangers' Captain from 2014 to 2018 until he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He'd sign a seven-year $4.725 million deal and would win two Stanley Cups in Tampa Bay.
He'd later be moved to the Nashville Predators due to cap issues, but again would return to the Lightning in 2024.
A reunion with McDonagh wouldn't be a bad idea, given his past history of success with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
With the Lightning once again dealing with a cap crunch, the Rangers should take advantage of this and utilize their weakness to reacquire someone who could help with the ongoing retooling in 2025.
Though a deal with the Lightning might have to come with retainage from Tampa Bay's side, as his $6.75 million cap hit lowers his trade value.
Acquiring Ryan McDonagh via trade wouldn't cost the Rangers much. The Lightning would be happy to move on from McDonagh for a late-round draft pick. The biggest reason behind McDonagh's low trade value is his $6.75 million cap hit.
McDonagh could be the trusted veteran in the Rangers' lineup for Mike Sullivan, and would add a meaningful presence on a blue line that is missing reliable depth.
His presence would push players like Carson Soucy down in the lineup, where he could fit in perfectly, and turn Urho Vaakanainen into the 7th-defenseman role, a fill-in.
McDonagh could be the trusted veteran in the Rangers' lineup for Mike Sullivan, and would add a meaningful presence on a blue line that is missing reliable depth.
His presence would push players like Carson Soucy down in the lineup, where he could fit in perfectly, and turn Urho Vaakanainen into the 7th-defenseman role, a fill-in.
