Earlier today, the Lightning activated Mikhail Sergachev off LTIR, adding a key defenseman back into their lineup. However, the return was short-lived as the team announced (Twitter link) that the blueliner suffered a lower-body injury, ending his return game prematurely. The 25-year-old was injured in the second period in a collision with Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere. Sergachev, who was coming back from a left leg injury, looked to suffer another injury to that same leg on the play and was stretchered off the ice.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- Islanders center Casey Cizikas has been upgraded to a game-time decision for Thursday’s game against Tampa Bay, notes NHL.com’s Stefen Rosner. The 32-year-old has missed the past 10 games because of a lower-body injury, landing him on LTIR in the process. New York will have to make some roster moves to get cap-compliant before they can bring Cizikas onto the active roster. Cizikas has 11 points in 39 games so far this season.
- Linus Karlsson’s frequent roster shuffling continues as today, the Canucks announced (Twitter link) that the center has been returned to AHL Abbotsford. It’s the fourth re-assignment to the minors in a little over three weeks, even with the All-Star break. Karlsson has played in four games with Vancouver so far while often being recalled to serve as the emergency option should a forward become unavailable close to game time. Meanwhile, in the minors, the 24-year-old has 27 points in 30 games.
- Sharks prospect Brandon Svoboda is on the move as USHL Fargo announced that they acquired the center from Youngstown. San Jose picked the 19-year-old in the third round last June but his production has been limited this year with just 11 points in 25 games so far. Svoboda is committed to Boston University for next season and will be looking to finish up his USHL career on a high note as he’s joining the league-leading Force.
I hope all the best for Sergachev his injury looked like it might be pretty serious.
Didn’t look good. That back check caught him off guard and his momentum carried his body through, but not the leg. I couldn’t tell if it was the knee or ankle, or both. Either way, it hurt just looking at him fall. Hopefully he’ll recover well and the damage wasn’t too serious. Poor guy was balling as his was removed from the ice.
Probably worked hard to return..looked like a season ending injury and i think he knows
His knee and ankle went in directions they’re not supposed to go. Certainly looks pretty bad.
Anytime a injury like that happens it’s usually a broken ankle and they are out for minimum 4-6 months. It’s a huge blow to Tampa bays hope at another playoff run
If Sergachev is done for the season, I wonder if the Bolts go after Hanifin or Chychrun?? Can they afford 5 more draft picks!?!?!?
The Lightning don’t have the trade capital to go get Hanifin or Chychrun. They don’t have a 1st round pick until 2026. They don’t have a 2nd rounder this season & their prospect pool isn’t very deep. They’ll probably add a defensemen, but it would probably be a lower cost acquisition than Hanifin or Chychrun
They would have to get creative…..such as Cerelli and a 2nd and a maybe 3rd for Jenner and Provorov
I don’t see Columbus making that trade. Cirillei isn’t the type of player Columbus would want. I’m not saying he’s not a good player, because he’s a very good defenseive forward. However, I think the Jackets would want a more offensive player. Plus, I think Cirelli’s more useful on a contender with his skillset than on a bad team.