The NHL draft on Day 2 kicked off with a surprising move as the Tampa Bay Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. This move came after a relatively quiet first day of the draft. Sergachev, who is 26 years old, was traded to the Utah team in exchange for restricted free agent defenseman J.J. Moser, high-scoring center prospect Conor Geekie, a second-round pick in 2025, and Tampa Bay’s seventh-round pick in 2024. This trade not only shook up the Lightning’s defensive lineup but also provided Utah with a solid addition to their roster.
Following the acquisition of Sergachev, the Utah Hockey Club made another significant move by adding defenseman John Marino from the New Jersey Devils. Marino, who is 27 years old, brings a defensive presence to the team and addresses a key need for Utah. He is entering the fourth year of a six-year contract he signed with Pittsburgh in January 2021, with a cap hit of $4.4 million. This trade further strengthens Utah’s defensive corps and sets them up nicely for their inaugural season in Salt Lake City after relocating from Arizona.
In another trade on Day 2 of the NHL draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning sent forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings. Jeannot, who had 7 goals and 7 assists in 55 games last season, was traded for a second-round pick in 2025 and pick No. 118 in 2024. This trade not only provides the Kings with a new offensive weapon but also allows the Lightning to make moves in free agency with the flexibility gained from the trade.
The trades made on Day 2 of the NHL draft have significant implications for all teams involved. For the Tampa Bay Lightning, trading away Sergachev and Jeannot opens up possibilities in free agency and allows them to potentially resign key players like captain Steven Stamkos. On the other hand, the Utah Hockey Club strengthens their roster with the additions of Sergachev and Marino, positioning themselves well for their first season in Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings add depth to their lineup with the acquisition of Tanner Jeannot, giving them more options on offense moving forward.
Overall, the trades made on Day 2 of the NHL draft showcase the fast-paced nature of the league’s off-season. Teams are constantly looking to improve their rosters and make strategic moves to enhance their chances of success. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Hockey Club, and Los Angeles Kings all made significant trades that will have lasting impacts on their respective teams. As the off-season continues, it will be interesting to see how these trades play out and what other moves teams will make to solidify their positions in the league.
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