Will Nikita Kucherov be the next NHL player to hit 1,000 career points? The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/]shocked the hockey world this past off-season by trading star defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. Sergachev was a crucial part of the Lightning's defense, but they flipped him because the club needed cap space to make other moves. The Lightning got some solid pieces for Sergachev. While J.J. Moser is injured right now, he has been an excellent addition [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/new-lightning-defender-becoming-massive-piece] to their top pairing. Conor Geekie, on the other hand, is a promising young forward [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/exciting-lightning-forward-sidelined-with-injury] who has the tools to blossom into a top-six forward in the NHL. However, Sergachev is also having success with the NHL's newest team. The 26-year-old is having a big year offensively, posting eight goals and 28 points in 39 games thus far. He is also Utah's true No. 1 defenseman and sees time on both their power play and penalty kill because of his strong all-around play. Mikhail Sergachev [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExOTI0MzQ1OTU2NjA3OTc2/usatsi_25104122.jpg] Mikhail Sergachev When Utah acquired Sergachev, they expected that he would be a big part of their blueline. So far, he is living up to those expectations and is undoubtedly hitting a new level this season. Seeing how the former Bolt builds on his excellent season with Utah will be fascinating.
