The New York Rangers have been busy this offseason reshaping their roster following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign in which they missed the playoffs, just a year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.
In an effort to improve, the Rangers moved on from several expensive veterans and brought in younger players. However, this roster overhaul has left a noticeable leadership void — one that former captain could potentially fill.
Top star captained the Rangers from 2014 to 2018, before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning due to concerns about his upcoming free agency. Tampa later signed him to a seven-year, $47.25 million contract, a move that paid dividends as the team won two Stanley Cups in three years.
Due to salary cap issues, Tampa eventually traded top prospect to the Nashville Predators, but brought him back in 2024 to help solidify their defense for another postseason run. While the Lightning haven’t advanced past the first round since, McDonagh’s return has still been viewed positively.
Now facing cap pressures again, Tampa may be open to moving McDonagh if the right offer comes along. That presents an opportunity for the Rangers to bring back a respected veteran leader at a reasonable cost.
Since trading Jacob Trouba in late 2024, the Rangers have been without a captain. Reuniting with McDonagh — even if he doesn’t officially wear the “C” — could help restore leadership within the locker room. Few players would be better suited to step in and command respect immediately than McDonagh.
Rangers Could Land McDonagh for a Low Price
Trading for Ryan McDonagh likely wouldn’t require the Rangers to give up much, as the Lightning would probably be willing to part with him for a late-round draft pick. His hefty \$6.75 million cap hit is the main factor driving down his trade value.
While the Rangers currently lack the cap space to absorb his full contract, a deal involving Tampa retaining 50% of his salary could make things feasible. This would allow the Lightning to free up some much-needed cap room, while the Rangers gain a familiar, veteran presence to help guide them through a key transition.
Additionally, McDonagh would offer new head coach Mike Sullivan a dependable, experienced player he could count on to help shoulder leadership responsibilities.
McDonagh Has a Place in New York’s Lineup
One of the main questions Rangers fans may have is how Ryan McDonagh would fit into the current lineup. At 36, McDonagh remains a reliable defenseman and could slot into the second pairing—potentially alongside Will Borgen.
Such a move would allow Carson Soucy to drop into a more suitable third-pairing role, with Urho Vaakanainen likely shifting to the role of seventh defenseman.
In addition to his experience, McDonagh would bring a needed physical edge to the blue line, complementing Vladislav Gavrikov on the top pair. The Rangers currently lack a true shutdown defender, and McDonagh could fill that void while also contributing some offensive support.
While the financial logistics may be tricky, bringing McDonagh back is an opportunity worth exploring. If the conditions are right, Rangers GM Chris Drury would be wise to seriously consider a reunion with the team’s former captain.