from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

The Lightning are extremely interested in Ryan McDonagh, and if the Rangers can get the best return from Tampa Bay, then by all means.

But management should remember how Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman squeezed every last drop from the Blueshirts in the negotiations for Martin St. Louis at the 2014 deadline, though No. 26 had a one-team-only trade approval list that began and ended with the Rangers.

McDonagh is not just some guy out there. He is likely to be a missing link to the Cup if a top-end contender acquires him for not only the remainder of this season but next year as well. The Rangers should demand high-end return for this high-end defenseman who would slot perfectly behind Victor Hedman.

more plus Rick Nash talk and the Islanders too...