The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to a massive eight-year, $8.5-million AAV deal.
Sergachev had 38-points in his fifth year with the Lightning, playing a key role in the team’s two Stanley Cup championships and third playoff run this past season. A big-bodied blueliner, Sergachev can dominate the game physically and is confident when moving the puck.
Tampa also announced the signing of defenseman Erik Cernak to an eight-year deal with a $5.2-million AAV.
Cernak has 59 points in 226 games with the Lightning and led the team in hits with 165 in just 55 games. Cernak has become a vital piece of Tampa’s core, willing to lay down the body and sacrifice himself to make a play.
The Lightning also signed center Anthony Cirelli to an eight-year deal worth $6.25-million per season.
Cirelli had 43 points in 73 games, with another eight points in the playoffs. A hard-working center, Cirelli is a good defensive forward that has gotten physically stronger over the past few years.
The deals won’t kick in until the end of the 2022-23 season, but the Bolts ensured three key pieces of the team’s core for years to come.
