Lightning’s Ryan McDonagh, Dominic James placed on injured reserve

In a corresponding move, the Lightning have recalled forwards Boris Katchouk and Scott Sabourin from the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch.

The nature of McDonagh’s injury is undisclosed, but he exited Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals after blocking a shot.

James’ injury is also undisclosed. He did take a puck to the face on Saturday, which caused him to temporarily leave the game, but he eventually returned to the Lightning’s bench.

The absence of McDonagh will leave a significant hole in Tampa Bay’s lineup. The 36-year-old veteran has played all 15 gamed for the Lightning so far, notching three goals and three assists for six points while ranking sixth on the team in average ice time with just over 20 minutes per game. McDonagh is in his second stint with Tampa Bay, after having been traded back to the Lightning from the Nashville Predators prior to last season. The St. Paul, Minnesota native won two consecutive Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021.

James is in his rookie reason, having scored a goal and three assists in nine games so far. He’s also played four games for Syracuse in the AHL this season, where he’s registered three goals and two assists for five points. The Lightning signed the 23-year-old James to a two-year, entry-level contract prior to the season after his four-year career at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Katchouk, 27, has played 12 games with Syracuse this season, putting up four goals and five assists for nine points. Sabourin, 33, has played 11 games with Syracuse, registering three goals and two assists for five points.

The Lightning will host the New York Rangers on Wednesday and then head out to play the Florida Panthers on Saturday.