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SALT LAKE CITY — Mikhail Sergachev was taking out the trash when he found he was being traded to Utah.

“At first, I was in shock. I didn’t expect it,” the defenseman said Friday of his reaction to being sent to the Utah Hockey Club on June 29 in exchange for defenseman J.J. Moser, forward Conor Geekie, a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Having had no prior knowledge about Utah before the trade, the ex-Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman quickly realized the immense potential of his new team when addressing the media for the first time since the deal was made.

After speaking with my agent, various players, and Clayton Keller, I received nothing but positive feedback about Utah and the new franchise. It’s truly remarkable. The entire arrangement and the city itself are incredibly impressive. I cannot contain my excitement. This is a significant chance for me to demonstrate my capabilities as a leader. I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead.

In the 2023-24 season, the Lightning’s 26-year-old player contributed significantly with 19 points, which included two goals and 17 assists, during 34 regular-season games. However, due to a knee injury, he was unable to participate in most of the year. Fortunately, he made a comeback during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and managed to provide one assist in two games.

Even though he missed out on valuable time on the ice, he enters the upcoming season as Utah’s top defenseman.

On Friday, Utah head coach Andre Tourigny expressed the need for a reliable player in our current situation. He highlighted Sergey as fitting that description perfectly. Sergey has demonstrated his expertise by participating in championship and high-pressure games. He has been a key player during crucial moments on the ice. Considering our young group of defensemen, Sergey’s experience will be invaluable. This acquisition signifies a positive progression for our team.

After the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Utah’s general manager, Bill Armstrong, faced the task of reconstructing the team’s defensive lineup from the ground up. When the opportunity to acquire Sergachev through a trade emerged during the draft, the team seized the chance.

Armstrong explained that he had pondered the question of when an organization gets the opportunity to seize such a chance. He emphasized that acquiring a 26-year-old defenseman who has already won two championships and is considered a top player is a rare occurrence, and the team wasted no time in capitalizing on it.

In his tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sergachev proved to be a formidable defenseman, amassing an impressive record. With 257 points (48 goals and 209 assists) across 475 regular-season games, he consistently showcased his skills on the ice. Additionally, his postseason performance was equally remarkable, contributing 34 points (nine goals and 25 assists) in 100 career playoff games over the span of seven seasons. Notably, Sergachev played a pivotal role in securing the Stanley Cup for the Lightning in both 2020 and 2021, cementing his status as a top-four defenseman.

He not only adds an offensive edge to Utah’s defense, but also brings a strong physical presence on the blue line.

Sergachev stated that while he enjoys delivering hits, he understands the importance of being strategic when playing extended minutes on the ice. He plans to prioritize utilizing his agility and speed, reserving hits for when necessary. However, his focus extends beyond physicality, as he aims to maintain an aggressive approach in all aspects of the game, including both offense and defense.

Sergachev will assume a leadership position in Utah, as the team heads into the 2024-25 season boasting one of the NHL’s youngest rosters.

Sergachev expressed his preference for not speaking too much and instead prefers to rely on the leadership examples set by players like Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman. He believes that actions speak louder than words, and intends to follow their lead by focusing on playing the game well and striving to win as many games as possible.