Lightning agree on extension with Sergachev

*Photo from TheScore*

   After extending Anthony Cirelli, the Tampa Bay Lightning moved to defense. The Lightning and D Mikhail Sergachev have agreed to an 8 year, $68 million deal, according to an announcement made by the Lightning.

   Sergachev said of signing his extension that "Once we started talking about the contract and they wanted me to sign an eight-year deal, that meant a lot because that is a commitment not only in money terms but in playing terms. I'm really excited about that, and that motivated me a lot. I was in Mexico when I signed, so I went to go workout right away."

   This season, Sergachev will play out the final year of a 3 year deal with a $4.8 million AAV. His new extension kicks in for the 2023-2024 season until the end of the 2030-2031 season. It has an AAV of $8.5 million, has a full no movement clause for 3 seasons, and a modified no trade clause for 4 seasons, with 2023-2024 not having any movement protection.

   Last season with the Lightning, Sergachev tallied 7 goals and 31 assists, averaging 22:28 of ice time while posting a +6 plus/minus rating, playing in 78 regular season games for the Lightning. He added two goals and 8 assists in 23 playoff games last season.

   In his NHL career, spanning 6 seasons split between the Lightning and Montreal Canadiens, Sergachev has 36 goals and 138 assists, with a +50 plus/minus rating while averaging 19:23 of ice time per game in 362 regular season games. He has an additional 8 goals and 22 assists in 92 playoff games.

   Asked about improving his game, Sergachev said that "I think there is a lot that I can do better. I can score more goals. Seven goals is not enough. I can improve my shot, the quickness of it. It all comes down to confidence and consistency to me. With the responsibility they are giving me, I'm going to learn how to play more consistently."

   With his new extension, Sergachev is effectively the replacement for Ryan McDonagh, who was traded earlier this offseason to the Nashville Predators in a big deal considering his salary. Sergachev, the former first round pick, showed the Lightning enough promise that they moved McDonagh.

   For the next 9 seasons, including 2022-2023, Sergachev will slide into McDonagh's role on likely the second defense pairing, playing top 4 minutes and in a greater role as the Lightning look to once again make a run at the Stanley Cup.