"I think that's been the biggest difference is just finding ways to help your teammates out and help them be so successful," McDonagh said. "Create a close-knit group and make sure everybody's pulling in the right direction. I'm no guru, but I hope my experience can help this group and keep everybody motivated and hopefully do something special."
It's the first big move of the offseason by the Predators - acquiring McDonagh from the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward Grant Mismash and defenseman Philippe Myers.
The addition of McDonagh gives the Predators what they sorely need to advance in the postseason. A player who has won before, and not just once, but as a two-time Stanley Cup winner and four-time Stanley Cup finalist.
"Ryan McDonagh is the ultimate team player who will bring experience and leadership to our lineup," President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile said. "A former captain of the New York Rangers, a two-time Stanley Cup winner and four-time Stanley Cup finalist, we couldn't be more thrilled that he waived his no movement clause to come to Nashville. With the ability to play in any situation, he immediately strengthens our defensive corps."
McDonagh, 33, was a cornerstone with the Lightning after he arrived in a trade from the New York Rangers in 2018. A captain with the Rangers, he served as an alternate captain with the Lightning. He has never missed the playoffs during his 12-season NHL career.
The defenseman has four years left on his contract that carries a salary-cap hit of $6.75 million. He waived his no-trade clause to join the Preds and a talented blue line led by Norris Trophy finalist Roman Josi and Mattias Ekholm. All three are signed through at least the 2025-26 season.
"Josi is obviously one of the premier, elite defensemen in the league," said McDonagh. "He's just unbelievable to watch. And, when you play him, he just seems to be all over the ice at all times. With Ekholm there he's been a huge piece there for Nashville. I can talk about the core guys that's been there for a while and ton of experience and a great leader in that room for sure. I think we all kind of bring a little bit of different strengths to the game and hopefully that translate to a lot of success on the ice."
McDonagh is a left-handed shot who in 71 games last season recorded four goals and 22 assists. His 137 blocked shots were the most among Lightning skaters and his +15 rating and 22:27 average time on ice were both the third-most among team blueliners.
Since the NHL began charting shot-blocking 15 years ago, no player has blocked more shots than McDonagh both in the regular season and playoffs. It's been a part of his game since he can remember and McDonagh is excited to bring the same identity of sacrifice and shot-blocking prowess to Nashville.
"You look through their lineup, they've got all the pieces and great character guys," said McDonagh. "The guys there have a lot of experience mixed in with some young guys too, and a great coaching staff. It had all the points there that you want to be a part of and you want to always be been contending, make the playoffs and in going on deep runs. This team has it all."
