The New York Rangers have made numerous moves this offseason to retool their roster after last year’s disappointing finish. The Rangers went from the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24 to missing the playoffs in 2024-25.
The club addressed several weaknesses by shipping out high-priced veterans and bringing in younger talent. But that situation has left a leadership gap, one that could be filled with former captain Ryan McDonagh.
McDonagh served as the Rangers’ captain from 2014 to 2018. It was during that 2018 season that the Rangers sent him to the Tampa Bay Lightning amid concerns regarding his potential free agency status.
The Lightning eventually signed McDonagh to a seven-year, $47.25 million contract. The deal paid off as the Lightning won two Stanley Cups in a three-year span.
After trading McDonagh to the Nashville Predators due to cap constraints, the Lightning re-acquired McDonagh in 2024 to bolster their blue line for another playoff run. The move has largely worked despite the Lightning’s three-straight first-round exits.
Tampa is once again in a cap crunch and rumored to be looking to move the veteran blue liner this offseason. While it doesn’t seem like the Lightning are open shopping McDonagh, he could be available for the right price.
That’s where the Rangers can fill their leadership void by adding McDonagh on the cheap. The Rangers have played without a captain since Jacob Trouba was traded in late 2024. Adding McDonagh would go a long way toward filling that void, even if the team doesn’t put the C on his chest again.
If there’s anyone who could step off the bus and take over that crucial leadership role, it’s McDonagh.
Rangers Could Land McDonagh for a Low Price
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.
Of course, the Rangers don’t have enough cap space to add McDonagh, but even a 50% retention from the Lightning could get the wheels moving. The Bolts clear cap space, and the Rangers get a familiar face who could lead the club during a crucial transitional period.
Plus, McDonagh would give new head coach Mike Sullivan a trusted veteran on whom he could rely on to delegate responsibility.
McDonagh Has a Place in New York’s Lineup
The biggest concern among Rangers fans might be where McDonagh could fit into the lineup. McDonagh is still very much a solid defenseman at 36. He could slide into the Rangers’ middle pairing, perhaps teaming up with Will Borgen.
That move would push Carson Soucy into a more reasonable third-pairing role and push Urho Vaakanainen into a seventh defenseman role.
Moreover, McDonagh provides a suitable physical presence beyond Vladislav Gavrikov on the top pairing. As it stands, the Rangers don’t have a true shutdown defenseman. That’s what McDonagh can deliver, while chipping in offensively.
The math could get a little complex when looking to reunite with Ryan McDonagh. But if the stars align, Rangers GM Chris Drury would be remiss if he didn’t at least kick the tires on reacquiring the club’s former captain.
