Erik Cernak

Erik Cernak

25-Year-Old DefensemanD
Tampa Bay Lightning
2022 Fantasy Outlook
To give you an idea of how much the Lightning think Cernak means to their lineup, this is a player who posted one goal and 13 points in 55 games last season and was still handed an eight-year, $41.6 million contract extension this past July. Of course, offense isn't a big part of Cernak's game. He's a nasty, stay-at-home defender and penalty killer, who averages upwards of 20 minutes per game and is good for well over 200 hits over the course of a full season, if he can stay healthy. If that helps you in your fantasy league, go for it -- just don't expect much scoring from the 25-year-old Slovak. Read Past Outlooks
$Signed an eight-year, $41.6 million contract extension with the Lightning in July of 2022.
Cleared to return Tuesday
DTampa Bay Lightning
March 7, 2023
Cernak (lower body) will be back in action versus the Flyers on Tuesday, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Cernak rejoining the lineup will be marred by the fact that Victor Hedman (undisclosed) won't be suiting up in Tuesday's tilt. Considering the 25-year-old Cernak has just one point in his last 14 contests, he shouldn't be expected to offer much in the way of offensive upside, limiting his fantasy value to formats that utilize defensive stats.
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NHL Stats
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2021
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2019
2018
2017
2022 NHL Game Log
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2021 NHL Game Log
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2020 NHL Game Log
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2022–23 Time On Ice Stats
  • Average Time On Ice:
    19:16
  • Average Power Play TOI:
    0:06
  • Average Short-Handed TOI:
    2:54
 
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2020–21
19:47
0:12
2:43
2021–22
19:09
0:05
2:49
2022–23
19:16
0:06
2:54
Lightning Depth Chart
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Lightning Power Play Depth Chart
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2021
2020
2019
Acquired from the Kings in exchange for Ben Bishop back in 2017, Cernak has developed into arguably the most underrated piece on a loaded Tampa Bay blue line. A hulking physical rearguard, the 24-year-old Slovakian logs tons of tough minutes for the Lightning and has the ability to chip in some offense here and there. Cernak is a solid late-round fantasy option in league's which value hits and blocks. He should produce well over 200 of the former and 100 of the latter over the course of a full 82-game campaign, in addition to roughly 20 points and a solid plus-minus rating. It's an attractive package depending on your league's settings.
Cernak regressed a bit in his second season, posting 12 points, 172 hits, 97 blocked shots and a plus-11 rating in 67 appearances last year. The Slovak isn't likely to budge from his third-pairing role on the Lightning's blue line any time soon, but a late arrival to training camp could make him a slow-starter in 2020-21. Fantasy managers already know not to expect more than 15 points out of the 23-year-old, who should round out his stat line with over 150 hits and nearly 100 blocked shots while playing solid defense. Due to his physical stats, he could be worth a look in deep formats.
Cernak was a complete revelation as a rookie in 2018-19. He came out of nowhere to play 58 games with the Bolts, most of which were spent in the top four. On many nights, Cernak was the best defender on the ice -- poised, physical and mature well beyond his 22 years. His offensive upside is probably limited, but 30 points are possible to go along with 80-90 PIM and 200 hits this season. There are a few leagues still out there where that type of contribution matters.
More Fantasy News
Won't play Sunday
DTampa Bay Lightning
Lower Body
March 5, 2023
Cernak (lower body) won't play Sunday against Carolina, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
ANALYSIS
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Not playing Saturday
DTampa Bay Lightning
Lower Body
March 4, 2023
Cernak (lower body) will not play Saturday in Buffalo, per the NHL media site.
ANALYSIS
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Can't finish contest
DTampa Bay Lightning
Undisclosed
March 2, 2023
Cernak (undisclosed) left Thursday's game versus the Penguins in the second period and did not return, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Eligible to play Tuesday
DTampa Bay Lightning
February 28, 2023
Cernak has served his two-game suspension and will be available versus Florida on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
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Gets two-game suspension
DTampa Bay Lightning
Suspension
February 24, 2023
Cernak received a two-game suspension Friday as punishment for elbowing Buffalo's Kyle Okposo during Thursday's game.
ANALYSIS
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