McDonagh has Been a Stabilizing Force for the Defense Corps
Ryan McDonagh is an NHL Veteran that has played in 812 NHL games. Only Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen have more NHL game experience than McDonagh on the current Predators roster.
Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2007 draft as the 12th-overall pick, McDonagh has played for the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning before being acquired in a massive offseason trade by the Predators this past summer.
The combination of Josi and McDonagh on the top defensive pairing has been a force to be reckoned with for the Predators.
In 29 games played McDonagh has 64 blocked shots, willing to put his body on the line each and every shift he is on the ice for, especially on the penalty kill which has crept up to 15th in the NHL after being 18th in 2021-22.
It was a salary cap dump for the Lightning and they certainly didn’t want to lose McDonagh. The Predators, wisely, jumped at the opportunity to add a veteran presence like McDonagh.
McDonagh is not known for his offensive prowess like his defensive partner Josi, however his presence on the ice is seen every game. McDonagh is a +9 on the season on a Predators team that has struggled to score goals.
Aside from his play on the ice, McDonagh brings championship pedigree with two Stanley Cups on and a wealth of knowledge and experience to a relatively young locker room.