The trade that sent Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Jonathan Drouin continues to be a topic of discussion years later. Originally executed on June 15, 2017, the deal was intended to address specific needs for both clubs. Montreal sought a dynamic, French-Canadian forward to ignite their offense, while Tampa Bay aimed to bolster their defensive prospects and gain flexibility in the face of an upcoming expansion draft. In 2025, with both players having moved on to different chapters in their careers, it's an opportune moment to revisit this transaction and assess its long-term implications.
Mikhail Sergachev's career has seen considerable growth since joining the Lightning. After being traded to the Utah Hockey Club in June 2024, Sergachev quickly became a cornerstone of their defense. In his first season with Utah, Sergachev demonstrated his capabilities as a top-pairing defenseman, logging significant ice time and contributing substantially on both ends of the ice, and even being nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2025. As of April 12, 2025, he recorded 52 points (14 goals, 38 assists) with 22 of those points coming on the power play. Beyond his statistics, Sergachev has embraced a leadership role, mentoring younger players and bringing a winning mentality to the team. The Lightning initially sought Sergachev to address an organizational need and protect themselves in the expansion draft. He not only met those expectations but also developed into a two-time Stanley Cup champion and a premier defenseman.
Jonathan Drouin's trajectory has been more circuitous. Acquired by Montreal with high expectations, Drouin faced immense pressure to become the offensive catalyst the Canadiens desperately needed. While he displayed flashes of brilliance, he struggled to consistently deliver the expected impact. In his first season in Montreal, Drouin posted 13 goals and 46 points but finished with a minus-28 rating. Although he had a reasonably productive season in 2018-19 with 53 points, he never quite reached the superstar status many had envisioned. Drouin's tenure in Montreal was also marked by injuries and personal challenges, leading to an eventual departure in free agency. In 321 games with the Canadiens, he recorded 64 goals and 138 assists.
After his time with the Canadiens, Drouin signed with the Colorado Avalanche, reuniting with his former junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon. The change of scenery proved beneficial, as Drouin posted a career-high in points in his first season with Colorado. As of March 21, 2025, Drouin has been producing, especially on the power play. However, he has, at times, struggled to maintain a consistent role in the lineup, particularly when the Avalanche are at full health. Recent reports indicate that Drouin has been moved down to the third line and his ice time has diminished, suggesting that his long-term outlook with the Avalanche remains uncertain.
Reflecting on the trade, it is evident that the Lightning ultimately gained the upper hand. Sergachev developed into a top-tier defenseman, contributing significantly to Tampa Bay's success, including two Stanley Cup championships, and continues to thrive as a leader in Utah. While Drouin showed promise at times, he did not consistently meet expectations in Montreal and has experienced ups and downs in Colorado. The trade serves as a reminder of the complexities of player development and the unpredictable nature of assessing long-term value in the NHL.
