Predators trade veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh

The trade which comes as a bit of a shock was announced around 1:00 pm EST by the Nashville Predators via X (formerly Twitter).

The Tampa Bay Lightning posted about McDonagh's return immediately after.

Fans immediately replied and made their responses known as they were heartbroken and happy.

Ryan McDonagh was an integral piece for the Tampa Bay Lightning's back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021.

The veteran defenseman, although older and not as strong as he formerly was. The 34-year-old played two seasons for the Nashville Predators after the Tampa Bay Lightning traded him to clear salary cap space.

McDonagh has played 14 seasons between the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators. In 928 NHL games, he's scored 76 goals and 389 points with a plus-minus of plus-246.

The former 2007 first-round draft pick, 12th overall, of the Montreal Canadiens has been selected as an NHL All-Star in 2016 and 2017.

McDonagh was a crucial shot blocker for Andrei Vasilevskiy in Tampa Bay and his return will provide stability for Vasilevskiy and return his veteran presence to the Tampa Bay. Lightning.