Athletistic/Hockey. Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien Brisbois has explained why the club decided to sign Mikhail Sergachev to a long-term contract.

“I think defenders usually need a bit more time to reach their potential. Hedman is an example of that. He’s now the best defender in the world, but until recently he wasn’t one. Sergachev is only reaching the top. He has made more progress, which was especially evident in the final. He has all the data, he is only 24 years old and he feels good in the majority and in the minority, big, technical and fast. It’s very encouraging to know that he will spend the next nine years with us,” said Brisbois.

The Russian defender has signed an eight-year, $68 million contract with the Tampa Bay.