The Utah Hockey Club have acquired defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning, in exchange for defenseman J.J. Moser, forward prospect Conor Geekie, and a second-round draft pick, per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (Twitter link).
The first blockbuster of the draft has hit, as Tampa Bay parts with a top-line defender and moves out $8.5MM in cap space. That should make their pursuit of franchise centerman Steven Stamkos a bit more manageable. Stamkos was reportedly set for the open market on July 1st, with the Lightning holding just $5.335MM in cap space. That number is now up to $16.5MM – a massive difference – after the Lightning also moved Tanner Jeannot and his $2.665MM cap hit to the Los Angeles Kings.
And while the cap space is surely what Tampa was looking for, they’ll reel in a strong return for parting with Sergachev. That includes Moser, who’s filled a strong second-pairing role for the Arizona Coyotes since his second-round selection in 2021. Still just 24, Moser has already totaled 205 career games and 72 points – including 26 points in 80 games this year. He’s a swift, confident defender on and off the puck, showing a knack for controlling traffic along his own blue line.
Tampa also receives top prospect Conor Geekie, the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He’s since played through his final two seasons in the WHL, recording 99 points in just 55 games split between the Wenatchee Wild and Swift Current Broncos this season. Not to be outdone, Geekie also added nine points in nine postseason games. He’s a big-frame forward, standing at 6-foot-4 and 197 pounds. He’s improved his ability to move that weight around substantially since his draft year looking much more fluid moving with the puck on his stick this season. Geekie signed his entry-level contract following the end of Swift Current’s year, setting him up for his first pro season in 2024-25.
And in return for their pretty penny, Utah receives a true top defenseman – finally ending a search that’s taken them through Jakob Chychrun, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Sean Durzi. None of the options could fill the role, though, leading Utah to pull in the understudy to Lightning star Victor Hedman. Sergachev has served in a vital role for the Lightning since a 2017 trade for forward Jonathan Drouin. He recorded 40 points in 79 games in his rookie season with Tampa Bay, quickly claiming a large share of ice time that he hasn’t relinquished since. Sergachev recorded at least 30 points in each of his next four seasons before posting a career-high 10 goals and 64 points in the 2022-23 season. It was the breakout that fans had been waiting for – though his encore this season was cut short by a pair of long-term leg injuries. He’ll now have to carry on his performance in a new jersey, joining the NHL’s newest franchise.
Stamkos money cleared out!
he better NOT be getting 8 mil a year unless it’s for like 2 years.
WTF! Sergachev?!? Why not Cernak?!? This is a terrible move. BriseBois lost is damn mind.
Sergachev was -16 in limited games last year. We got a good return at least
Using plus/minus in 2024? lel
Okay, I’ve calmed myself as I wasn’t pleased originally with this trade as Sergachev is a great player. But I see what BriseBois is doing here. He’s gotten draft capital & Conor Geekie is an absolute beast of a prospect. Furthermore, it’s created significant cap space to bring back Stamkos.
There is also connections that TBL is planning to go after Jake Guentzel if he hits FA on Monday according to reports.
With Sergachev & Jeannot off the books, TBL now has $16.5 million to play with. TBL will be adding pieces come FA.
more like why not for hedman. Cernak actually plays defense & checks people in front of his own net. the next time #77 does those things will be the first.
Why would a young Utah team do this. Geekie is gonna be a machine and then you throw in a 2nd and another prospect. In Tampa geekie might put up 40 points as a rookie
Might work well for both. I’d lean in favor of Tampa at the moment. Interesting trade!
Lightning GM made a move he had to make. He has to clear out the needed cap space before July 1st. The ⏰️ is a ticking away.
Owner is savvy and wants to compete now. He’s clearly been making waves. Kudos to him and not being entrenched in old guard. Fresh blood and ideas will help the NHL.
Huh, expected maybe Cernak but moving Sergy is quite the surprise. JBB working hard to make the puzzle pieces fit in a tough cap situation. Go Lightning!
Didn’t see that coming. One of the rare trades where you don’t need to look for a winner or a loser. Great deal for both sides.
I guess he waived his No Trade Clause? Why?
NTC was only about to kick in on July 1st.
doesn’t kick in til monday. neither did Tanners.
Love it for both sides, Utah has to ice a NHL caliber roster next year. They have to make lots of changes to their loser, cheapskate culture to be successful in a new market.
As a Jets fan, a little miffed. Could have easily paired a top prospect (McGroarty) with a young D-man and some draft picks to add a quality d-man like Sergachev (or Cernak, as apparently Lightning fans speculated was an alternate possibility!)
… alas, in all likelihood, Sergachev or Cernak would have eventually requested out of WPG, anyway!
they can request all they want – if they wanna get paid, they play. although man that would be BRUTAL to go from living here in tampa to the coldest city in the NHL. YUCK.
Serg’s contract was an albatross already. Super inconsistent. Great trade for TBL.