#10 – Mikhail Sergachev
Mikhail Sergachev is about to embark on playing his first season of his eight year, $68M contract extension. Signed last July, the agreement sees Sergachev vulnerable to being traded only for the 2023-24 season. The following year and until the deal is done, Sergachev will have either a full no-trade or a modified no-trade clause.
The Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman is an offensive threat. Last season, he played in 79 games where he scored 10 goals and 54 assists. Unlike the Leafs’ John Klingberg, Sergachev can also defend. He had an even strength Corsi rating of 52.7, which was 1.4 better than his team.
The 25-year-old from Nizhnekamsk, Russia has won two Stanley Cups with the Bolts.
#9 – Tim Stützle
Tim Stützle is turning heads in the NHL. The 21-year-old from Viersen, Germany was the third overall pick of 2020 NHL Draft. He was selected by the Senators.
Stützle is about to begin a new contract of his own. The GM of the Sens, Pierre Dorion, and Stützle agreed to a eight-year, $66.8M deal, carrying an $8.35M AAV. There are four seasons on that deal with no trade restrictions. That changes in 2027-28 when a 10 team modified no-trade clause kicks in.
Playing in just his third season, Stützle competed in 78 game. He demonstrated that he has the skillset to put himself in the upper echelon in the league for many years to come. He collected 39 goals and 51 assists for a total of 90 points.