TAMPA, FL – Tampa Bay Lightning have announced the hiring of Ryan McDonagh as the team’s new defensive coach.
The move is a homecoming of sorts for McDonagh, who spent four seasons with the Lightning from 2018 to 2022, helping the team win two Stanley Cup championships.
McDonagh, a 33-year-old defenseman, announced his retirement from professional hockey earlier this summer, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
However, it appears that McDonagh’s passion for the game was not ready to be extinguished just yet.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan back to the Lightning family,” said Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois. “Ryan’s experience, leadership, and defensive expertise will be invaluable assets to our coaching staff.
We believe he will be an excellent addition to our team and will help us continue to compete at the highest level.”
As a player, McDonagh was known for his exceptional defensive skills, his ability to read the game, and his leadership qualities. He was a key member of the Lightning’s blue line during their Stanley Cup-winning seasons in 2020 and 2021.
As a coach, McDonagh will be tasked with helping to develop the Lightning’s young defensive corps, which includes players like Cal Foote, Haydn Fleury, and Nick Perbix. He will also work closely with the team’s veteran defensemen, such as Victor Hedman and Mikhail Sergachev.
“I’m excited to start this new chapter in my career,” said McDonagh. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to the Lightning organization and to work with such a talented group of players and coaches.
I’m looking forward to helping the team in any way that I can and to being a part of another successful season in Tampa.”
McDonagh’s hiring is the latest move in what has been a busy offseason for the Lightning. The team has also signed several key free agents, including forward Anthony Cirelli and defenseman Ian Cole.
“Ryan’s addition to our coaching staff is a huge boost to our team,” said Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper. “His experience, knowledge, and passion for the game will be invaluable assets to us as we prepare for another competitive season in the NHL.”
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