Lightning trade defenceman Sergachev to Utah, winger Jeannot to Kings

Utah Hockey Club made a big splash on the second day of the NHL draft.

And the Tampa Bay Lightning cleared a boatload of salary cap space in a matter of minutes.

Utah acquired defenceman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning for centre Conor Geekie, defenceman J.J. Moser, a second-round pick next year and the 199th pick in 2024 on Saturday.

The Lightning then dealt winger Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings for a fourth-round pick this year and a second-rounder in 2025.

Tampa, which is staring down the barrel of having captain Steven Stamkos hit the free-agent market Monday, cleared more than US$11-million in cap space with the trades.

Sergachev was limited to 34 games in 2023-24 due to injury, finishing the schedule with two goals and 19 points. He added one assist in two post-season contests.

The 26-year-old selected ninth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2016 has 48 goals and 257 points in 475 regular-season games.

The Russian blueliner, who twice won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning and carries an $8.5-million cap hit, has added 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists) in 100 playoff games.

Jeannot, 27, had seven goals and 14 points in 55 games in 2023-24.

Utah, which moved from Arizona in April after 27 seasons in the desert, also acquired blueliner John Marino from the New Jersey Devils for two second-round picks — one this year and one next year. Utah also got the 153rd pick in 2024.

Marino, also 27, had four goals and 25 points in 75 games this season.