Jonathan Drouin Traded to Montreal Canadiens for Mikhail Sergachev, Draft Pick

The Montreal Canadiens announced Thursday they acquired forward Jonathan Drouin from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Montreal also received a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2018, while Tampa received a conditional second-round pick in 2018.

Drouin then signed a six-year contract extension worth $33 million, per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. 

The 22-year-old Drouin enjoyed the best season of his career in 2016-17, scoring 21 goals and dishing out 32 assists for 53 points.

Drouin spent time in the AHL the previous season and demanded a trade, but the Bolts opted to hold on to him.

In exchange for Drouin, the Lightning got back one of the most highly touted defensive prospects in hockey.

Montreal selected Sergachev with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft. He spent last season with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, registering 10 goals and 33 assists in 50 games.

The 18-year-old blueliner adds some much-needed defensive depth to a system that has primarily produced high-quality forwards in recent years.

Per TSN's James Mirtle, the upcoming expansion draft may have played into Tampa's decision:

Trading for Sergachev is a move for the future, while the Canadiens are seemingly attempting to position themselves for a Stanley Cup run in 2017-18.

Provided Montreal retains Alex Galchenyuk, the Habs will have a forward trio that also includes Drouin and Max Pacioretty, which will be highly difficult to hold in check.