Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Sunday that the team has acquired defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward Grant Mismash and defenseman Philippe Myers.
“Ryan McDonagh is the ultimate team player who will bring experience and leadership to our lineup,” 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 (6/13/89), is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time NHL All-Star and former NHL captain who is coming off his third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final as a member of the Lightning in 2021-22. He tallied four goals and 26 points in 71 regular-season games for Tampa Bay; 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. In the postseason, he recorded five points (1g-4a) and averaged 22:26 of ice time – the second-highest mark on the Lightning – in 23 games, helping Tampa Bay win three playoff series. McDonagh added an assist, 19 blocked shots and 17 hits and logged 22:58 of ice time in his fourth career Stanley Cup Final appearance.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound McDonagh is a veteran of 12 seasons and 783 games at the NHL level and won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2019-20 and 2020-21. After being acquired from the New York Rangers during the 2017-18 campaign, he went on to post 99 points (20g-79a) in 267 games for Tampa Bay, including a career-high 46 points (9g-37a) in 2018-19. McDonagh began his NHL career with the Rangers in 2011 and spent eight seasons with organization, serving as team captain for parts of four campaigns from 2014-18. He became the fourth-youngest captain in Rangers history and during his tenure sporting the “C” helped lead New York to the Presidents’ Trophy in 2014-15 and three total postseason appearances. McDonagh tallied 238 points (51g-187a) in 516 games with the Rangers organization, twice earning a nod to the NHL All-Star Game (2015-16 and 2016-17).
McDonagh brings extensive postseason experience to the Predators organization, having skated in 185 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, 30 more than the next-closest NHL player in that time span. In addition to his two Stanley Cups and three Stanley Cup Final appearances with the Lightning, he also reached the Final in 2014 with the Rangers. During that Cup Final run, McDonagh led all NHL defensemen in assists with 13; he also led the NHL in plus-minus in the 2021 postseason with a +18 rating. McDonagh has competed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his 12 NHL seasons.
Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round (12th overall) of the 2007 NHL Draft, McDonagh played three seasons at the University of Wisconsin prior to turning pro, posting 46 points (14g-32a) in 119 games with the Badgers from 2007-10. He earned multiple honors at Wisconsin, including a spot on the 2010 WCHA Second All-Star Team after helping lead the Badgers to that season’s Frozen Four.
A native of Saint Paul, Minn., McDonagh was named his Minnesota’s ‘Mr. Hockey’ as the state’s best high school player in 2006-07; he also represented USA Hockey for the first time in that season, earning silver in the 2007 U-18 World Championship. He’s since competed for the U.S. on several occasions, including at the 2009 World Junior Championship; 2011 World Championship; 2014 Olympics; and 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
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Braves reinstate Matzek, Rosario to active roster
July 4: OF Eddie Rosario reinstated from IL
After going on the IL in late April following laser eye surgery, Rosario was reinstated off the injured list. The veteran outfielder was diagnosed with a swollen retina after battling blurred vision throughout this season’s first few weeks.
Rosario went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts when he began a Minor League rehab assignment for Triple-A Gwinnett on June 25 and played in seven more games overall, going 9-for-33 with two doubles and five RBIs. — Mark Bowman
July 4: LHP Tyler Matzek reinstated from IL
Matzek was reinstated off the injured list following two rehab outings. The lefty struck out five over two scoreless innings, allowing no hits.
Matzek, who hasn’t pitched for Atlanta since May 10, had dealt with shoulder issues that may have developed as he compensated for back discomfort early in Spring Training. — Mark Bowman
July 3: OF Adam Duvall’s MRI comes back negative
Duvall received a negative MRI after getting hit on the hand by a pitch during the second inning of the July 2 contest. He was later picked off at first base and departed the game an inning later. Duvall left the team and went back to Atlanta prior to July 3’s contest.
Duvall, an All-Star finalist outfielder, is slashing .205/.272/.376 this season, with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs. — Will Aldrich
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Pre-register here for youth volleyball skills camp
Children entering grades 3-8 will have an opportunity to learn volleyball skills with Coffee County High School coach Andrew Taylor in July.
Lady Raider Volleyball Skills Camp is set for July 20-21 from 9 a.m. to noon each day at the Coffee County Central gymnasium (100 Red Raider Dr.).
Cost is $40 per camper, and all current Coffee Middle and Westwood Middle players receive a 50% discount.
Registration is available at the door, pay at the door. Or you can click here to pre-register.
WR Josh Malone Plans to Keep Making the Most of His “Special Opportunity” With Titans
TITANS ONLINE
Josh Malone was a Tennessee Titans Mr. Football winner in 2013.
During his senior year at Station Camp High School in Gallatin, he was also once WKRN-Channel 2’s Player of the Week, an award sponsored by the Titans.
“Kendall Wright was there,” a smiling Malone said of the former Titans receiver. “I still remember going to the stadium, and I think it was coach (Mike) Munchak at the time. I shook his hand, and I talked a little bit with Kendall Wright. It was cool being around a professional player, and kind of getting that taste back then.
“I always had aspirations as a young kid to play as a pro.”
Fast-forward to today, and Malone is now a Titan.
The former University of Tennessee star, in fact, has enjoyed quite an offseason after signing with the team back in February.
When training camp begins next month, he’ll look to build on the momentum with hopes of sticking on the 53-man roster for 2022.
“I can tell you that I am ecstatic about the progress he’s made and really his development and where he’s at right now,” Titans receivers coach Rob Moore said of Malone. “At the end of the day, we all know this game is about what you do with the pads on. If he can take what he’s done here and do it in training camp, he’s going to have a leg up for sure.”
Tyler Matzek begins rehab assignment for Braves
The Augusta GreenJackets, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves have announced that relief pitcher, Tyler Matzek will begin his rehab assignment from a shoulder injury by joining the GreenJackets this week as they begin their homestand against the Columbia Fireflies. The left-hander has been on the 15-day injured list for the Braves since May 17 and will start his rehabilitation process in Augusta.
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CHS volleyball announces alumnae day
Coffee County Central High School volleyball program has announced an alumnae celebration for this fall.
All alum planning to attend should RSVP coach Andrew Taylor at taylora@k12coffee.net.
The event will be Thursday, Sept. 22. Appetizers will be provided at 5:30 p.m. and the Lady Raiders will take on Warren County at 6 p.m. for the alum to watch.
Free admission for all Lady Raider alumnae.
Blue Raider Blitz to make stop in Manchester at Boskeys Grille
Middle Tennessee Athletics is excited once again to host the Blue Raider Blitz, a summer caravan that will blanket the mid-state July 20-28.
The Blitz will be a way for fans of all ages to engage with Blue Raider football as the team prepares for the 2022 season. Members of the football coaching staff and a few head coaches from other sports will be at each location.
Last summer, Blue Raider Blitz stopped at seven locations over four days, seeing hundreds of fans a day. This year will be no different as we have expanded to new towns to engage with our fan base and show our appreciation.
Season ticket information, posters, contests, prize giveaways and appearances by the spirit squads and Lightning will highlight most of the events. Fans can also purchase 2022 Blue Raider Football season tickets at each stop.
Mark these dates and locations on your calendar. Stay tuned to GoBlueRaiders.com for information on how to RSVP for free food and drinks.
Wednesday, July 20
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Franklin, TN | Party Fowl
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Nashville, TN | The Listening Room
Thursday, July 21
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Manchester, TN | Boskey’s Grille at Willowbrook Golf Course
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Smyrna, TN | Lee Victory Park
Monday, July 25
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Mt. Juliet, TN | The Pub – CP Between the Lakes
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Shelbyville, TN | Bedford County Courthouse Square
Thursday, July 28
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Murfreesboro, TN | Cannonsburgh Village
Braves place Jansen on IL with irregular heartbeat
The Braves placed closer Kenley Jansen on the 15-day injured list with an irregular heartbeat on Tuesday, backdated to June 27. The club recalled RHP Jesús Cruz in a corresponding move.
Jansen, who signed a one-year, $16 million deal with Atlanta over the offseason, has finished 27 games this year, including 20 saves. He’s gone 4-0 with a 3.58 ERA over 32 appearances, striking out 47 across 32 2/3 innings while sporting a 0.949 WHIP. A three-time All-Star, the right-handed reliever is second among active pitchers with 370 career saves.
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TITANS: Heading into year 4, a stronger, quicker Nate Davis ready to make an impact
TITANS ONLINE
Nate Davis arrived with the Titans in 2019, a third-round draft pick from Charlotte just trying to fit in.
Now, heading into his fourth NFL season, he can hardly believe all the changes around him.
And, it includes himself.
“I was actually thinking about that last night,” Davis said on the eve of the team’s recent minicamp. “It’s night and day. I was kind of wide-eyed (as a rookie), just trying to figure out my role, and figure out the city. There was a lot going on. But now it’s more comfortable. I understand what I need to do for this team. I understand where I need to me, how to conduct myself off the field as well as on the field. So, I would say a big difference.”
Youth volleyball skills camp set for July 20-21
Children entering grades 3-8 will have an opportunity to learn volleyball skills with Coffee County High School coach Andrew Taylor in July.
Lady Raider Volleyball Skills Camp is set for July 20-21 from 9 a.m. to noon each day at the Coffee County Central gymnasium (100 Red Raider Dr.).
Cost is $40 per camper, and all current Coffee Middle and Westwood Middle players receive a 50% discount.
Registration is available at the door, pay at the door.