Mikhail Sergachev blindsided by being traded to Utah Hockey Club

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Cooper Godin
July 7, 2024 (12:13)

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Utah Hockey Club made a huge splash on the trade market at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by getting Mikhail Sergachev from Tampa Bay, who wasn't expecting a move at all.

Just before the second day of the draft got underway in Las Vegas just over a week ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning traded two-time Stanley Cup champion Mikhail Sergachev to Utah Hockey Club in exchange for former first rounder Conor Geekie, J.J. Moser and a pair of draft picks.

While meeting with the media in Utah this past week, Sergachev told reporters that he was shocked by the trade from Tampa Bay and wasn't expecting to be dealt by the Lightning.

"At first, I was in shock. I didn't expect it," Sergachev said.

Sergachev said that he started talking to his agent and some players in Utah, including star forward Clayton Keller, all of whom had nothing but nice things to say about the city and that he's very excited for the opportunity ahead of him.

"Talking to my agent, talking to some players, and talking to (Utah forward Clayton) Keller, everybody said great things about Utah and the new franchise. It's pretty amazing, honestly. The whole setup, the city. I'm very excited. It's a big opportunity for me to prove myself, being a leader. I'm looking forward to it." He said.

The 26-year-old was limited to just 34 games during the regular season due to fractures in his left tibula and fibula. He put up 19 points (two goals, 17 assists), 16 penalty minutes and minus-16 and returned for a pair of games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs before Tampa was eliminated by the Florida Panthers.

Utah Hockey Club will have Sergachev around for quite a while as he's got seven years remaining on an eight-year extension he signed while with the Tampa Bay Lightning that comes with an $8.5 million cap hit.