Utah’s Mikhail Sergachev nominated for the 2025 Bill Masterton Trophy – Hockey Writer – Utah Hockey Club

The Utah chapter of the Utah Hockey Club and the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) announced this week that Mikhail Sergachev was named the Utah Bill Masterton Trophy nominee, awarded to NHL players who best demonstrate perseverance, sports choices and quality of hockey. This is the first time Sergachev has ever received the nomination for the award. Last season, Connor Ingram was nominated for the Arizona Coyotes and became the first Coyote/UHC player to win the award.

Sergachev’s path to becoming Utah’s top defender is a challenge

Last season, Sergachev was part of the blue line stacked by Tampa Bay Lightning. With three consecutive Stanley Cup final appearances, including two wins, he hopes to repeat his impressive 64-point season in 2022-23. Unfortunately, Sergachev was injured in a weird accident against the New York Rangers in February, with his left tibia and fibula fractured, requiring surgery and several months of extreme recovery.

Sergachev, determined to stay in his best form, helped him recover fast enough to return to Game 4 of the Chargers against the Florida Panthers, where he assisted with winning the game goals, which helped the Chargers 5 games.

In a new season with his new eight-year contract extension, he was traded to Utah during the 2024 NHL draft, giving UHC the first guard he has never had. However, Sergachev thrives in his new role. In 74 games this season, he has made a career-high with 15 goals and 51 points, the second highest game of his career. He also averaged the most ice time in his career at 25:06.

Related: Utah’s Alex Kerfoot nominates for 2025 King Clancy Trophy

Chargers head coach Jon Cooper saw players coming and going on with his championship team, but for Cooper, Sergachev was perfect for Lightning.

“We have a lot of people who get people’s attention and win a lot of awards, but I can sit here and say Sergi and put his name on the hat,” Cooper said. “The way we set up our defense, he’s perfect for us. He has him when he was young. He’s pushed into a professional hockey position that he might not be used to, and he’s really good at it. If you can do that at such a young age, he’s a really good player.”

Steven Stamkos, who was also a hat casualty this season, called him for more than a decade to join the Nashville Predators. Stankos still talks with Selgachev, and he is impressed and satisfied with Utah’s growth.

“It’s really cool to see Serge go,” Stamcos said. “He was absolutely the power of us in winning those years. It felt like he needed to be that guy and be the first defense, thriving and taking those responsibilities. That’s the chance he had to do it. I haven’t seen a lot of games, but I’ve been in line with him. I’ve always kept his kindness in mind. He’s proud of his game and leadership will grow.

Sergachev’s path from being heavily hurt in 2023-24 to becoming Utah’s No. 1 defenseman was tough, but he was able to achieve it because of his commitment to improvements. As Stamkos said, Sergachev will only continue to get better. When he reaches his peak and the entire Utah Blue Line is expected to remain healthy at the start of the 2025-26 season, it should be a strong season for the team’s defense.

“We are delighted that Mikhail was nominated for the Masterton Trophy,” said UHC General Manager Bill Armstrong. “Mikhail suffered a serious leg injury at the end of the 2024 season and created a new career peak on the ice. We are proud of his tremendous leadership, perseverance and resilience to the team and how he sets a great role model for our young players.”

Sergachev joined the 31 other nominees (each NHL team) to win the Bill Masterton trophy. PHWA will narrow the list and the winner will be announced later.