Mikhail Sergachev’s move from Tampa to Utah is not an attempt at a restart, but rather a new chapter in an already solid career. At Lightning he had everything: the Stanley Cup, enormous playing time, the trust of the coaches. In Utah, the still young Russian turned into a system-forming hockey player, around whom the game of the entire team is built.

Even despite the defeat from Toronto (3:5), Sergachev was again effective – he scored the third goal of the season. In his last eight matches he has 3+8, and is on his way to the best season of his career.

From six games without a point to one of the best defensemen in the league

The beginning of the championship turned out to be difficult: in the first six matches, Sergachev did not have a single point, although he played 25 minutes per meeting. Against Boston, the Russian spent 25:07, made two shots, blocked three shots and finished the game with a utility rating of “+3.”

But everything changed after the match with Colorado. Mikhail broke the dry streak, scored 1+2, became the second star of the match and seemed to have caught the right rhythm. From that moment on, the Russian consistently brought points and showed form at the level of top NHL defensemen.

Mikhail Sergachev / Photo: © Codie McLachlan / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

Today Sergachev is one of the key players of Mammoth. He averages 24 minutes and 51 seconds per game, ranking among the top 10 players in the NHL in playing time. In some meetings, for example, against Winnipeg and Edmonton, it exceeded the 26 minute mark.

He has 14 matches, three goals, eight assists, “+1” and a huge gap in ice time with his closest defensive partner, Nate Schmidt (24:51 versus 20:46). Sergachev is the main pillar and coordinator of all plays, especially in the majority.

“Russian goal” in Toronto and Simashev’s first point

In the match against Toronto, Mikhail scored his third goal of the season, and Dmitry Simashev’s assist brought the young defenseman his first point in the NHL. In the 27th minute, Simashev intercepted the puck in the opponent’s zone and passed it to Sergachev under the blue line. He threw low and the puck slipped between the pads of Anthony Stolarz. It turned out to be a real “Russian goal” from a couple of Utah defenders.

Sergachev himself speaks warmly of his partner. Here are his words after the match with Colorado (4:3).

– He is ahead of me in development. It took me three years to play like this, and seven matches for him. He is incredibly good in defense, he does everything right. Today he played an amazing match – this will only add to his confidence,” the club’s press service quotes Sergachev.

Mikhail Sergachev, Dmitry Simashev, Kailer Yamamoto and Brandon Tanev / Photo: © Steve Russell / Contributor / Toronto Star / Gettyimages.ru

These words convey both respect and awareness of one’s new role. Mikhail is not just a key player, but also a mentor for the younger generation.

While Utah continues to build its game, Sergachev is already showing the stability and level that has long been expected from him. He confidently leads the team, consistently scores points and is on the ice almost always. If the trend continues, this season will be the best in Mikhail’s career – not only in terms of statistics, but also in terms of the importance of his role in the team.