Ryan McDonagh's illustrious NHL career reached a significant milestone as he played his 1,000th game, celebrated with a heartfelt tribute from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team honored him with a custom illustration by artist Jayce Hall, showcasing McDonagh lifting the Stanley Cup, crafted using words that teammates used to describe him: leader, warrior, selfless, gamer, mentor, and dad. Hall, who spent 19 hours on the piece, emphasized the collaborative effort behind it, drawing from the collective admiration of McDonagh's peers.

The ceremony featured a video tribute that included messages from his children and father, alongside congratulations from former teammates like Steven Stamkos and Pat Maroon. Beyond the artwork, McDonagh received several memorable gifts: a Tiffany crystal from the league, a Rolex watch from his teammates, and a silver stick from team owner Jeff Vinik. This celebration reflects not just McDonagh's on-ice achievements, but also the profound respect he has earned throughout his career.