Erik Cernak - NHL News & Rumors

Earns first helper since return Cernak logged an assist, five blocked shots, two hits and two PIM in Monday's 5-1 win over the Flyers.

Impact The helper was Cernak's first point in six games since he returned from a long-term hand injury. The 28-year-old defenseman has resumed a second-pairing role and will continue to provide steady physical play when in the lineup. For the season, Cernak has five helpers, 15 shots on net, 25 PIM, 54 hits and 54 blocked shots over 25 outings.

21 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

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1 DAY AGO • Associated Press

Brandon Hagel scores winner as Lightning beat Avalanche 4-2

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JANUARY 7 • Associated Press

Off long-term injured reserve Cernak (hand) was activated off long-term injured reserve and is expected to play Wednesday versus Anaheim, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Impact Cernak hasn't been in the lineup since Nov. 22 because of the injury. He has four assists, 21 PIM, 40 hits and 43 blocks in 19 outings in 2025-26. Max Crozier might be a healthy scratch Wednesday as a result of Cernak's return.

DECEMBER 31, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Practices Saturday Cernak (hand) participated in Saturday's morning skate and could be nearing a return to the lineup, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact Cernak will miss his 16th straight game against Florida on Saturday. However, he might be ready to return during the team's upcoming three-game road trip, which begins Wednesday against Anaheim. Cernak has contributed four assists, 13 shots on goal, 43 blocked shots and 40 hits through 19 appearances this season.

DECEMBER 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Moves to LTIR Cernak (undisclosed) was moved to long-term injured, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times on Saturday.

Impact Cernak will miss his 11th straight game against the Islanders on Saturday, and he isn't close to returning to the lineup. He hasn't been practicing and didn't accompany his teammates on the road. Cernak has four assists, 13 shots on goal, 43 blocked shots and 40 hits through 19 appearances this season.

DECEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Lightning chase Jacob Markstrom on the way to routing the Devils 8-4

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DECEMBER 12, 2025 • Associated Press

Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman to have elbow surgery. He's expected to be ready for the Olympics

Tampa Bay Lightning captain and No. 1 defenseman Victor Hedman is set to undergo elbow surgery Monday and be out until the start of February

DECEMBER 11, 2025 • Associated Press

Hagel scores twice as Lightning beat Rangers 4-1 and extend winning streak to 7 games

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NOVEMBER 29, 2025 • Associated Press

Placed on injured reserve Cernak (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Monday, per the NHL media site.

Impact The Lightning announced Monday that Cernak was considered week-to-week due to an undisclosed injury, so his placement on injured reserve isn't particularly surprising. Declan Carlile and Steve Santini will likely operate on the third defensive pairing in Cernak's absence, while Maxim Groshev was called up from AHL Syracuse on Monday to provide additional depth.

NOVEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Facing multi-week absence Cernak was deemed week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports Monday.

Impact Cernak's latest injury is reportedly unrelated to the previous issue that kept him out for a pair of games Nov. 18 and 20. This latest issue seems significantly more severe than the previous one, given his timeline. For now, it will be Declan Carlile and Steve Santini on the third pairing, though Maxim Groshev was called up from the minors Monday. If the Bolts need a roster spot, Cernak will likely be designated for injured reserve.

NOVEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Bags apple Saturday Cernak notched an assist and three blocked shots in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Capitals.

Impact Cernak returned from a two-game absence due to a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old saw 23:24 of ice time in his return, a season-high mark, so he appears to have no limitations going forward as long as he can avoid other injuries. He's at four helpers, 13 shots on net, 21 PIM, 40 hits and 43 blocks through 19 outings this season. That heavy playing style can take a toll, but Cernak is a worthy option for fantasy managers in banger leagues.

NOVEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Cernak (lower body) is expected to play Saturday versus the Capitals, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Impact Cernak was on the likely side of a game-time decision and should be good to go after skating in warmups on the first pairing. Steve Santini will exit the lineup to make space for Cernak.

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Game-time decision Cernak (lower body) will be a game-time decision against Washington on Saturday, per Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley.

Impact Tampa Bay hopes to have Cernak back following a two-game absence. The 28-year-old defender has three assists, 12 shots on goal, 40 blocked shots and 39 hits across 18 appearances this season. If Cernak returns to action, Steve Santini will be a healthy scratch versus the Capitals.

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out Thursday Cernak (lower body) isn't available for Thursday's clash against Edmonton, according to Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site.

Impact Cernak did participate in Thursday's morning skate, so he might still be able to play Saturday in Washington. The 28-year-old has three assists, 21 PIM, 39 hits and 40 blocks in 18 outings this year. The Lightning are projected to dress 12 forwards and six defensemen Thursday, but they might shift to an 11-7 split once Carnak is available, possibly at the expense of Dominic James.

NOVEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Not playing Tuesday Cernak (lower body) won't play against New Jersey on Tuesday, according to Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site.

Impact Cernak is day-to-day and will miss at least one game. He has chipped in three assists, 12 shots on goal, 40 blocked shots and 39 hits across 18 appearances this season. With Cernak and Max Crozier (undisclosed) unavailable, Declan Carlile and Steve Santini will be in Tuesday's lineup against the Devils.

NOVEMBER 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cuylle, Trocheck score two each as Rangers beat Lightning 7-3

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NOVEMBER 13, 2025 • Associated Press

Hagel lifts surging Lightning to 3-2 win over Capitals

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NOVEMBER 9, 2025 • Associated Press

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OCTOBER 31, 2025 • Associated Press

Gets on scoresheet Tuesday Cernak logged an assist, six hits and two PIM in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Predators.

Impact Cernak is rarely a big contributor on offense, and that's held true with him earning two helpers over the Lightning's first 10 games. The 28-year-old continues to be a physical defenseman in a top-four role, racking up 21 hits, 23 blocked shots and eight PIM this season. His playing style can leave him vulnerable to injuries, but the lack of offense -- his career high is 21 points, set in 76 regular-season outings last year -- is what keeps him off the radar in most fantasy formats.

OCTOBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Made you flinch! 👹🤣

OCTOBER 18, 2025 • YOUTUBE

Suiting up Thursday Cernak (undisclosed) will play Thursday versus the Senators, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

Impact Cernak missed some time late in the preseason due to his injury. The 28-year-old is set to serve as a shutdown defenseman on the Lightning's second pairing. His heavy playing style can be useful in deeper fantasy formats, but he is injury prone because of it.

OCTOBER 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Cernak (undisclosed) is set to miss Saturday's preseason game against Florida, per Lightning radio announcer Dave Mishkin.

Impact Cernak had three goals, 21 points, 50 PIM, 157 hits and 99 blocks across 76 regular-season appearances with Tampa Bay last year. If he's not available for the Lightning's regular-season opener versus Ottawa on Thursday, then that would significantly increase the chances of Max Crozier being in the lineup.

OCTOBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Misses third period Thursday Cernak (undisclosed) did not play in the third period of Thursday's preseason game versus the Panthers, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports.

Impact Cernak was in and out of the game a couple of times after taking some knocks. There was no update on his status after the contest, but it's possible the Lightning are just taking the proper precautions to have him healthy for the start of the regular season next Thursday versus the Senators.

OCTOBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers at Lightning | Game 5 Highlights | 4.30.25

MAY 1, 2025 • YOUTUBE

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