Mikhail Sergachev (© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)During the 2024 NHL off-season, the Tampa Bay Lightning made a massive change to their blueline. The Atlantic Division club dealt star defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for blueliner J.J. Moser, forward Conor Geekie, a 2024 seventh-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick.
With the Lightning needing more cap space to make other moves, they made the tough decision to part ways with Sergachev. It was undoubtedly a shocking trade, as the left-shot defenseman had been an incredibly important part of the Lightning's roster over the previous seven seasons. In addition, at 26 years old, Sergachev is right in his prime.
Now, fast-forward to today, and it is clearly a move that Utah must be ecstatic about making. Sergachev thrived as the Central Division club's No. 1 defenseman this season as he scored a career-high 15 goals and recorded 53 points in 77 games. The only time Sergachev had more points in a season was in 2022-23 with Tampa Bay when he posted 64 points in 79 contests.
Sergachev undoubtedly came as advertised for Utah and has cemented himself as a part of their core in the process. The 2016 first-round pick will look to build off his big year and help Utah make the playoffs next season from here.
In 471 games with the Lightning, Sergachev had 48 goals, 209 assists, 257 points, 662 hits, and a plus-46 rating. The star defenseman also won two Stanley Cups during his time in Tampa Bay.
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