Mikhail Sergachev leaves Tampa Bay Lightning for personal reasons

Some things are bigger than any job you work and it still applies if you play hockey professionally, even if you play in the National Hockey League. Family is one of those things.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they'll be without a key defender tonight as they play the Ottawa Senators

According to Lightning head coach Jon Cooper, Mikhail Sergachev not be in the lineup tonight as he welcomes his first child, take a look:




Sergachev, 24, has 9 goals and 51 assists for 60 points in 77 games played for the Lightning this season.

Congratulations to Sergachev and his growing family. Having time away from the game to welcome the newest edition to your family!

I'm so happy that the NHL has embraced letting players leave for personal reason, no matter what they may be. Your personal life, no matter your job, depending on the circumstance should be paramount.