Ryan McDonagh apparently doesn’t even need to be in the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup to keep his career trucking along. The former New York Rangers captain, who’s currently on injured reserve, signed a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension with the Lightning on Thursday.
The $4.1 million AAV deal kicks in next season and carries through McDonagh’s age-39 season in 2028-29. The veteran defenseman is due back soon for the Lightning, after he sustained an unspecified injury blocking a shot against the Washington Capitals on Nov. 8.
This month-long injury absence is a blip on the radar for the ultra-reliable defenseman.