The Tampa Bay Lightning are bringing back one of their most respected veterans for the long haul. On Thursday, the team announced a three-year contract extension for defenseman Ryan McDonagh worth $12.3 million. The deal runs through the 2028-29 season and positions the 36-year-old to finish his NHL career in Tampa, where he won two Stanley Cups and became a key part of the franchise’s identity.

McDonagh is currently on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, but his importance to the organization is still clear. Before getting hurt, he had three goals and three assists in 15 games.

The veteran blueliner has played 364 games with the Lightning, totaling 27 goals and 136 points with a plus-118 rating. Across 1,025 NHL games with the Lightning, Rangers and Predators, McDonagh has built

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