When first-pairing defenseman Sean Durzi went down with an upper-body injury during the New Jersey Devils game on Monday (Oct. 14), it left an opening for another player to step up. For now, Michael Kesselring is getting that opportunity. And, make no mistake, playing with Mikhail Sergachev can only be suitable for the young defenseman’s future development.
Kesselring Being Paired With Sergachev
Just as Durzi was partnered with Sergachev, Kesselring stepped in as the next man up after Durzi’s long-term injury. He showed tremendous results in the first game, which allowed him to be on the first pairing. He gathered one goal and one assist to show he can more than fill the missing offense provided by Durzi.
Sergachev‘s experience will undoubtedly allow Kesselring to improve his skills. Sergachev has played 480 NHL games, including 100 in the playoffs. He has tallied nine goals and 25 assists in the postseason and has his name engraved on two Stanley Cup trophies. That background shows he can be an important mentor for Kesselring.
Sergachev shows excellent poise as a veteran, and Kesselring should soak in all the knowledge gained by lining up with such a talented player. Since joining the Utah Hockey Club, Sergachev has chipped in four assists in five games.
Kesselring Is Signed Through the 2025-26 Season
Kesselring inked a two-year deal with the Utah Hockey Club during the summer, receiving $1.4 million average annual value (AAV). He will then turn to being a restricted free agent. If he can shine while playing alongside Sergachev (and who wouldn’t?), he will likely receive a significant increase. That’s what happened to Durzi after having a great season with the Coyotes. He added nine goals and 32 assists in 76 games. The team then awarded him a four-year contract worth $6 million yearly.
Related: Where Does Michael Kesselring Fit on the Coyotes After 2023-24?
If Kesselring can take advantage of the additional playing time, he can demonstrate his worth to the organization. Not that when Durzi returns, he will still be on the top pairing, but his experience will benefit the team in the long run. Kesselring is already logging almost 3:30 more ice time than he did last season in Arizona. Expect that to continue if he stays paired with Sergachev on the top blue line duo.
Kesselring is a very mobile defenseman…
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