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.
Recent Lightning News
Lightning Announce Bad Oliver Bjorkstrand Injury Update
After a strong 2024-25 regular-season, the <a href="http://v/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> are ready for the playoffs. The <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen">Lightning</a> will play Game 1 of the first round against the Florida Panthers on April 22, and it should be a great series.
4 Lightning Players Set To Make NHL Playoff Debuts
The <a href="http://v/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> had a successful 2024-25 regular-season. They finished the campaign with a 47-27-8 record and secured the second-spot in the Atlantic Division standings because of it. Now, they are set to face off against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the first round.
Former Lightning Defenseman To Retire After Playoffs
While speaking to reporters, <a href="https://x.com/renlavoietva/status/1913258133180326038?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">including Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports</a>, former <a href="http://v/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> defenseman David Savard confirmed that he will be retiring from professional hockey following the Montreal Canadiens' playoff run.
Lightning Have Clear Move To Make With Yanni Gourde
At the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the <a href="http://v/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> made a significant move. They acquired forward Oliver Bjorkstrand and old friend Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken in a three-team trade that also included the Detroit Red Wings.