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Quick Strikes: Mikhail Sergachev found out he was traded via text message from a fan

More analysis of the trade between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens, getting to know Sergachev, and reflecting on the Syracuse Crunch

The Bolts

Prepare for lots more news about the Jonathan Drouin - Mikhail Sergachev trade.

Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman held a press conference to discuss the decision to trade Drouin to the Montreal Canadiens. “Ultimately we made the trade because we were looking to acquire a defenseman. We wanted the type of game that Sergachev plays - offensive defenseman, big, strong, good skater, moves the puck well.” [Raw Charge]

So now that we have acquired Mikhail Sergachev, it’s time to learn a little bit about the highly-touted prospect. We rounded up a variety of scouting reports and compiled them. Jeff Marek said this of the young defenseman, “Sergachev is defined by his three-zone play, confidence, and creativity with the puck. But perhaps his best asset is how calm he is, even when facing significant pressure.” [Raw Charge]

Sergachev found out about the trade in a rather unusual way. “Some fan texted me and said, ‘Good luck in Tampa,’ and I was like, ‘What?’” said the newest member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. “My phone doesn't work here in Cyprus, so (Montreal Canadiens general manager) Marc Bergevin couldn't call me.” [Tampa Bay Lightning]

Sergachev may not be quite ready for the NHL yet. With that in mind, Joe Smith explores some other options the Lightning may pursue to shore up the blue line. [Tampa Bay Times]

As part of our continuing series on last season’s performance, we reflected on how we played against the Canadiens. “Earning five out of a possible eight points is a positive when looking at the season series against Montreal. The Lightning went 2-1-1 against the Canadiens, with the most damaging loss coming in the first month of the season.” [Raw Charge]

The SB Nation blogs are running our own mock draft. With the 14th overall pick, we selected Tyler Johnson’s protege: Kailer Yamamato. “He is a small, speedy forward with dazzling hands. He has a quick release on his shot and is just as capable of making a seeing-eye pass to set up a teammate.” [Raw Charge]

Don’t take my word for it. Here’s Johnson himself extolling the virtues of Yamamato.

The Crunch

The AHL has a full album of some great moments from the Syracuse Crunch’s finals run on their Facebook page:

Want to own a piece of Syracuse Crunch history?

Did you miss that final game 6 and want to watch it? Or, for some god forsaken reason, want to watch it again? You’re in luck!

Crunch head coach Ben Groulx wouldn’t change a thing, and we can’t blame him. [Syracuse.com]

The Crunch and its players benefited from a better playoff agreement this season. [Syracuse.com]

Yesterday was National Mascot Day:

Crunch players have continued to tweet their goodbyes:

The Game

It’s almost free agency time!

Some numbers on the Anaheim Ducks’ buyout of defenseman Simon Despres:

The Montreal Canadiens will not qualify Nikita Nesterov. [Pro Hockey Rumors]

Do you want a Stefan Fournier Kalamazoo Wings Game-Used jersey?  Well here’s your chance [Kalamazoo Wings]

The Kalamazoo Wings, the ECHL club of the Lightning organization, did well at the ECHL’s yearly meetings:

Speaking of National Mascot Day:

With Father’s Day this weekend, the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins profiled players and their fathers who played for them. [wbspenguins.com]

The Belleville Senators will be Ottawa’s first AHL affiliate based in Canada since 1996. [SportsNet]

Belleville still, uh, has some work to do before their rink is completed, however:

The head coach of the University of North Dakota men’s hockey team seen his share of recruit hopefuls, and offers his advice for young players with college hockey hopes. [American Development Model]

Has anyone told Nikita Nesterov that he doesn’t have a team to play for next year?

Fishing

A post shared by NikitaNesterov (@nikitanesterov_official) on

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