Mikhail Sergachev publicly reacts to blockbuster trade to the Utah Hockey Club

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Tom Banks
July 7, 2024 (5:54 PM)

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The 2024 NHL Draft saw the Utah Hockey Club make a major splash, and now their No. 1 defenseman Mikhail Sergachev has reacted to the blockbuster trade.

After months of speculation, the Utah Hockey Club have officially become an NHL team, and with the young core that was built up in Arizona, there's been plenty of excitement around them. That was amplified at the 2024 NHL Draft when Ryan Smith and the front office went all in to make a playoff push, landing Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It was a deal that shocked everyone, including Sergachev, who has now revealed his first reaction to the deal;

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

Fortunately, his attitude towards the situation turned quickly, as he has credited forward Clayon Keller for getting him excited about the future in Utah, which many see as very bright.

"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. I'm looking forward to it."

With the addition of a 26-year old coming into his prime like Sergachev, as well as the additions of Sean Durzi and John Marino, this blue line suddenly appears to be one of the best in the Western Conference. Combining that with a core led by Keller, Josh Doan, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther, it's easy to see why Sergachev and the city of Salt Lake City are so excited.

It was a deal that nobody, even those involved saw coming, and now if all things go well, Utah HC should be a team to watch in 2024/25 in a tough Western Conference.