The Tampa Bay Lightning cleared $11.15 million in cap space for next season in a matter of minutes Saturday, trading away defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and forward Tanner Jeannot.
The Lightning traded two-time Stanley Cup winner Sergachev to the NHL’s new Utah Hockey Club in return for defenseman J.J. Moser, Conor Geekie and draft picks, the teams announced. Tampa Bay sent Jeannot to the LA Kings for a 2025 second-round pick and a No. 118 pick in 2024.
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NHL trade grades: Utah makes big moves with Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino deals
The Lightning didn’t retain any salary on Sergachev or Jeannot, opening up some much-needed cap space with a Victor Hedman extension expected to come next week and, maybe, another run at extending Steven Stamkos before he hits the open market.
For Utah, the franchise arrived with more than $40 million in cap space and lots of draft capital, and put both to use — acquiring Sergachev from Tampa. The team also acquired John Marino from New Jersey on Saturday. That should immediately upgrade the team’s blue line as it begins its first season in Salt Lake City.
The Devils are expected to be shopping for defensemen in free agency, with Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon among their possible targets.
🚨TRADE 🚨
We have acquired Mikhail Sergachev in return for J.J. Moser, Conor Geekie and draft picks.#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/lbaA7mtrrz
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) June 29, 2024
(Photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)