The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Thursday that defenseman Mikhail Sergachev underwent surgery to stabilize fractures to his left tibia and fibula. There is currently no timetable for his return to the ice.
Sergachev, 25, left Wednesday’s 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers on a stretcher in the second period. The injury occurred when Sergachev and New York’s Alexis Lafreniere were contending for the puck along the left boards in Tampa Bay’s defensive zone. The collision resulted in Sergachev falling backward onto the ice and clutching his lower left leg.
Sergachev was returning from a 17-game absence due to a leg injury suffered in December.
“It’s super tough. We’ve been through it with a few other guys in the past,” Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman said after the game. “Sergi’s first game back after missing an extended period of time, to see him in such pain, it’s hard. You feel for him and you pray for the best.”
This season, Sergachev has recorded 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) in 34 games. The two-time Stanley Cup winner has accumulated 257 points (48 goals, 209 assists) in 475 career games.