Utah Hockey Club Makes Major Trades at NHL Draft

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a significant trade at the NHL Draft, sending defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. In return, the Lightning acquired defenseman J.J. Moser, forward Conor Geekie, a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Sergachev, who missed time due to a knee injury, returned for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and contributed one assist in two games. The 26-year-old defenseman has 257 points in 475 regular-season games and 34 points in 100 playoff games.

Utah’s General Manager, Bill Armstrong, expressed excitement over adding Sergachev to the team’s roster, highlighting his winning pedigree and offensive skills. Sergachev, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, has seven years left on his contract with an $8.5 million annual value.

Following the Sergachev trade, Utah also acquired John Marino from the New Jersey Devils, along with a late-round pick, in exchange for two draft picks.

In other draft news, Spencer Gill became the first player from the Ligue de hockey junior Maritimes Québec (LHJMQ) to be selected in Las Vegas. The LHJMQ experienced a low draft turnout this year, with only 12 players chosen.