Is it really "bailing out" if the other team gets a very good player out of it? Let's not pretend that Utah is just taking dead salary here, they took a player from TB that they feel can contribute to them now, and are giving up a fair package of assets to do so.
As much as Sergachev didn't fit in TB because of his skillset and the available roles (3LD, basically), he's a very good player with a lot of value. So yeah, to further your point, it's not like Utah was the only team willing to take sergachev. In that scenario, I understand holding us over a barrel. But the reality is he's a 26 year old Dman who can score 50+ points in the right situation. If your team doesn't want it, another one will.
They got a good-but-not-elite player. Sergachev is a great #3. He struggles when the brunt of the toughs and defensive responsibility are thrust on him. Needs the infrastructure around him to be maximally successful. I don't think any competitive team should plan for him to be their 1D.
At 5v5, I don't think Moser is much of a downgrade. But he is crucially (for TB) a lot cheaper, and they also get some other assets they can use.
I think Utah is better on the ice in this transaction, but they paid a premium to do it. I think the Marino deal was much more shrewd.
Pretty much this, yeah. I would only add that Sergachev has legit offensive skills. But they were gonna go to waste for a few more years in TB, behind Hedman. Can't pay 8.5 for a guy who isn't your best offensive or defensive option on his side of the ice.
