Lightning’s Sergachev Has Leg Surgery, Out Indefinitely

The Tampa Bay Lightning reported on Thursday that defenseman Mikhail Sergachev underwent surgery in New York to fix fractures in his left leg, specifically the tibia and fibula. He will shortly return to Tampa to start his treatment, but he does not currently have a schedule for recovery. In the second period of the Rangers’ 3-1 victory, he collided with Alexis Lafreniere of the New York Rangers, landing awkwardly on his left leg. This was his first time playing since December 19. After being carried off the ice on a stretcher, Sergachev was declared out of the game by the team.

With his prior injury, the Lightning blueliner missed 17 games. He played 10:22 before having to leave on Wednesday. Sergachev has long been an important component of Tampa Bay’s defense. When healthy, he consistently ranks in the top four, and in the summer of 2022, the Bolts signed him to an eight-year, $68-million contract extension. In 34 games during his sixth season with the Lightning (2023–24), the native Russian has two goals and 17 assists.
On Thursday morning, February 8, Sergachev sent an impassioned message on Instagram, promising to bounce back stronger from his injury that required him to be stretchered off the ice on Wednesday.

“Oh my god, why me? Why this time? Returning and suffering an injury again after missing so many games seems unjust and awful. I’m trying, but it’s impossible, to remain composed and optimistic. I receive this after doing everything correctly,” Sergachev commented in the post. “I guess the cosmos has its own plan and is unexpected, but f**k the universe, guy. It’s hard now, and it will be even harder tomorrow, but I know I’ll bounce back stronger and perform better than before. Sergachev posted on Instagram.

Each of us tackles a different struggle, and this is mine. I always succeed. Painkillers are helpful, but if I were alone in a jungle, I would definitely die, isn’t that crazy? I don’t know why, but I felt compelled to express my feelings to those who matter to me! Thank you for all of your correspondence. Many thanks to the medical team.