Mikhail Sergachev didn't see his trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning coming, but he's embracing a chance at a bigger role with Utah Hockey Club.
"At first, I was in shock. I didn't expect it," Sergachev told NHL.com's Matthew Komma.
Sergachev, who played the first season of an eight-year extension with Tampa Bay in 2023-24, was dealt to Utah during draft weekend for J.J. Moser, Conor Geekie, and two draft picks.
After the initial shock wore off, Sergachev began to embrace the next chapter of his career.
"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," he said. "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. Iām looking forward to it."
Sergachev noted he didn't play a big leadership role on a Lightning squad that featured veterans Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, and Nikita Kucherov.
Sergachev will likely be deployed on Utah's first defensive pairing while also being used on the power play and penalty kill. The 26-year-old was limited to only 34 games last year due to injury, but he's only one season removed from a career-best 64-point campaign.
