Big trade has been completed between the Lighting and the Predators

In the last few moments, the Nashville Predators traded defenseman Ryan McDonagh and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for second- and seventh-round draft picks.

A significant trade to start the summer:

See the official statement from the Tampa Bay Lightning:

General Manager Julien BriseBois is bringing in defensive reinforcements, clearly signaling to the entire hockey world that the Lightning is aiming for top honors again next year.

Ryan McDonagh, 34, was the 12th overall pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007 (1st round) and has played 928 career NHL games.

Last season in Nashville, he finished with 32 points in 74 games, including 3 goals, and a very solid +19 rating.

In fact, look at his plus/minus ratings over the past few years: +19, +12, +15, +13, +7, and +38. It's phenomenal!