Mikhail Sergachev did not see the move that sent him to the Utah team coming.

“At first I was shocked” the defender confided, as quoted by NHL.com correspondent Matthew Komma.

On June 29, the second day of the draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning took action by trading Sergachev for prospect Conor Geekie and defenseman JJ Moser, among others.

Despite his initial surprise, Sergachev had time to accept his new reality.

“I spoke with my agent and some players there, including Clayton Keller,” he said. Everyone said great things about Utah and the organization. The city [de Salt Lake City] is fantastic. I’m very excited. This is an opportunity for me to prove myself as a leader. I can’t wait.

The 26-year-old Russian immediately becomes the team’s number one defender.

“I asked myself, ‘When is an opportunity like this going to come along?'” said Utah general manager Bill Armstrong. “It’s an incredible opportunity to acquire a 26-year-old elite defenseman who has won the Stanley Cup twice. We jumped at it.”

This transaction shows Utah’s desire to be competitive and fight hard for next year’s playoffs after years of rebuilding and uncertainty in the Arizona desert.

“We are in a situation where we want players who have proven themselves,” said head coach André Tourigny. “Sergey” is exactly that player. He played important games. He is one of those players you want to have on the ice at crucial moments. We have a young group of defensemen. He will bring experience.”