Sergachev, a 24-year-old defenseman, will get $8.5 million annually ($68 million). He had 38 points (seven goals, 31 assists) in 78 games last season, and 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 23 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"Once we started talking about the contract and they wanted me to sign an eight-year deal, that meant a lot because that is a commitment not only in money terms but in playing terms," Sergachev said. "I'm really excited about that, and that motivated me a lot. I was in Mexico when I signed, so I went to go workout right away."
Selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the No. 9 pick of the 2016 NHL Draft, Sergachev has 174 points (36 goals, 138 assists) in 362 regular-season games for the Canadiens and Lightning, and 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists) in 92 postseason games. He won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
"I think there is a lot that I can do better," Sergachev said. "I can score more goals. Seven goals is not enough. I can improve my shot, the quickness of it. It all comes down to confidence and consistency to me. With the responsibility they are giving me, I'm going to learn how to play more consistently."
Cirelli, a 24-year-old forward, will
get $6.25 million annually
($50 million). He had 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) in 76 games last season, and eight points (three goals, five assists) in 23 playoff games.
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Selected by Tampa Bay in the third round (No. 72) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Cirelli has 159 points (66 goals, 93 assists) in 294 regular-season games, and 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 92 playoff games.
"I think with the guys we already have on the team, you go down the list -- Point, [Kucherov], [Stamkos], [Hedman] and [Vasilevskiy] back there -- I think as long as we have those guys I think we'll be good for a long time," Cirelli said. "But yeah, between 'Sergy,' 'Cerny' and myself, it's nice to get a deal and sign for long term like this. Obviously, they have a lot of trust in us, and we've got to go out there and bring it and be better each and every single year in helping the team win."
Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said Cirelli had shoulder surgery this offseason and will miss 4-6 months.
"He's going to miss the start of the season," BriseBois said. "And Zach Bogosian had shoulder surgery. He's out for 4-to-6 months as well. So I expect there's going to be a lot of competition for jobs at training camp. We have players that are pushing for roles, and now with an injury out front and injury on the back end, that opens up opportunities for those players to show us that they are ready."
Cernak, a 25-year-old defenseman, will get $5.2 million annually ($41.6 million). He had 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 55 games last season, and two points (one goal, one assist) in 23 playoff games.
Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (No. 43) of the 2015 draft, Cernak has 59 points (16 goals, 43 assists) in 226 regular-season games for the Lightning, and 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) in 73 playoff games.
"[Cernak and Cirelli] are obviously big parts of our team," Sergachev said. "Both of them playing unreal defensively and are good offensive players, too. I'm really happy to see them sign because we are going to have a great team to win championships and win games. It just makes me happy to see them sign and get their well-deserved money. They are a big part of the team and my good friends. So, I'm happy to see some young guys signed."
