McDonagh won't return to Lightning's lineup until weekend at earliest

Ryan McDonagh's debut as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been pushed back.

Upon being acquired from the New York Rangers on trade deadline day, McDonagh stated he was five-to-seven days away from returning to the lineup, but after speaking to the media Tuesday, head coach Jon Cooper noted McDonagh won't be back until at least the weekend, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.

The latest update means McDonagh will not suit up against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday or his former club, the Rangers, on Thursday.

McDonagh has not played since Feb. 7 as he continues to deal with an upper-body injury. Luckily the club has gone 6-0-1 in its last seven and now has a six-point cushion atop the Atlantic Division.