Sat, Jun 29, 2024 at 11:45am

SERGACHEV SENT TO UTAH!

The Utah Hockey Club acquired defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman J.J. Moser, center Conor Geekie, a seventh-round draft pick in 2024 (No. 199 overall) and a second-round draft pick in 2025.

What does it give the Utah Hockey Club
Sergachev becomes the first major addition in Utah franchise history! After an injury-plagued season in 2023-24, Sergachev will look to stay healthy and get back form. During the 2022-23 season, he racked up a career high 64 points–which could be attainable again if he plays a full season. Expect him to play big minutes in all situations for the Utah Hockey Club. Only in the second year of an eight-year contract, Sergachev is the type of blueliner that Utah can now build their defensive core around.

What does it give the Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay had a log jam on the left side of the defense after reacquiring Ryan McDonagh. So, they traded away the more expensive Sergachev. Moser, who was quietly effective in Arizona, will now replace Sergachev in Tampa. He offers solid two-way play and comes with a lower cap hit. Geekie is a hulking center who was taken 11th overall in 2022. After scoring 99 points in 55 WHL games, look for him to get a look in camp. The Bolts can use more picks to restock their prospect pool.

Fantasy impact
After a lost season, it is easy to forget that Sergachev wrestled the quarterback role on Tampa Bay's top power-play unit away from Victor Hedman in '22-23. With good health and big minutes in all situations, Sergachev should bounce back and become a valuable fantasy option once again. Geekie should be a riser on fantasy draft boards now that he is with the Lightning. He is more likely than not to see time in the NHL this season. Moser is only worth a look in extremely deep leagues.