Erik Cernak 
Age 25 May 28, 1997
Kosice SVK
Defense shoots right
6'3" 191 cm
230 lbs 104 kg
ELC Signing Age 18
Waivers Signing Age 18
UFA Year 2024
Agent Craig Oster 
Transaction History
| Jun 24, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) is expected to play in Friday's Game 5 versus the Avalanche, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Jun 24, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | When asked about Cernak's (lower body) status for Friday's Game 5 against Colorado, coach Jon Cooper said "He is feeling better. I am pretty confident he is going to play tonight," Gabby Shirley of Bally Sports Florida reports. | |
| Jun 22, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) didn't finish Game 4 versus the Avalanche on Wednesday, per Bally Sports Florida. | |
| May 22, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak scored the game-winning goal in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Panthers in Game 3 in the Eastern Conference Second Round. | |
| May 18, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) is slated to play in Game 2 versus the Panthers on Thursday, Tom Gulitti of (NHL).com reports. | |
| May 17, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) exited Tuesday's Game 1 versus the Panthers after blocking a shot, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Apr 28, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) will play Thursday versus Columbus, source reports. | |
| Apr 26, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) won't finish Tuesday's game versus the Blue Jackets. | |
| Mar 28, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak has no points in his last 17 games. | |
| Mar 1, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) will participate in Tuesday's game against Ottawa, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Feb 28, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) participated in Monday's practice, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Feb 26, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Predators, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Feb 15, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) is expected to participate in Tuesday's game against New Jersey, per (NHL).com. | |
| Feb 8, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) is not expected to return to play this week, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports Tuesday. | |
| Jan 25, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) will remain unavailable for the next three games, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports Tuesday. | |
| Jan 21, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) won't play Friday versus the Ducks, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Jan 18, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) was designated as doubtful for Tuesday's game in Los Angeles, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Jan 15, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) will not play Saturday against Dallas, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Jan 15, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) will be a game-time call for Saturday's matchup with Dallas, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Jan 13, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) did not return from the locker room after blocking a shot in Thursday's game versus the Canucks, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Jan 2, 2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) is off injured reserve and playing Sunday in New York, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Dec 31, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) has been skating and should return to the lineup soon, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Dec 10, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) was downgraded to week-to-week and won't be back until after the Christmas break, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Dec 9, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) won't play Thursday versus the Maple Leafs, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Dec 7, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) won't play Tuesday against Montreal, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Dec 5, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) won't play Sunday versus the Flyers, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | |
| Dec 4, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) did not finish Saturday's game versus the Bruins, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Nov 30, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) will return to the lineup for Tuesday's game versus St. Louis, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Nov 28, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) will be a game-time decision Tuesday in St. Louis, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Nov 26, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) took part in Friday's morning skate, but coach Jon Cooper said the defenseman won't be in the lineup against the Kraken in the evening, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Nov 26, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) skated in a regular jersey at Friday's morning skate, suggesting he could make his return to the lineup later in the day against Seattle, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Nov 23, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) will not play Tuesday against Philadelphia but will be upgraded to day-to-day going forward, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Nov 9, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Head coach Jon Cooper said Cernak's upper-body injury is more of a week-to-week situation, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Nov 9, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) won't return to Tuesday's game versus the Hurricanes. | |
| Oct 14, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak produced an assist, three shots on goal and four hits in Thursday's 7-6 overtime win over the Red Wings. | |
| Jul 2, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak registered an assist and four hits in Friday's 6-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 3. | |
| Jun 28, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak scored his first goal of the postseason in Monday's 5-1 win over the Canadiens in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. | |
| Jun 25, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) provided four hits, three shots and two blocks in Friday's 1-0 win over the Islanders in Game 7. | |
| Jun 25, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) is expected to play in Friday's Game 7 versus the Islanders, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. | |
| Jun 25, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak is considered questionable for Friday's Game 7 versus the Islanders, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Jun 23, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Coach Jon Cooper said Cernak (undisclosed) won't be available for Wednesday's Game 6 against the Islanders, Tom Gulitti of (NHL).com reports. | |
| Jun 21, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) will not be in Monday's Game 5 lineup against the Islanders, Dan Rosen of (NHL).com reports. | |
| Jun 1, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) recorded an assist, four blocked shots and three hits in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Hurricanes in Game 2. | |
| Jun 1, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) will play Game 2 in Carolina on Tuesday, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Jun 1, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) is considered questionable for Tuesday's Game 2 versus Carolina, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| May 26, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak posted two assists and a plus-3 rating in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Panthers in Game 6. | |
| May 5, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak stuffed the stat sheet with a goal, two assists, four shots, three blocks and a plus-3 rating in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Stars. | |
| Apr 27, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak scored a goal, dished an assist, logged four hits and added a fighting major in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Blackhawks. | |
| Apr 17, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak scored a goal on five shots and dished out four hits in Saturday's 5-3 loss to Florida. | |
| Apr 13, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak recorded an assist, two shots on goal and two PIM in Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Predators. | |
| Apr 10, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak scored a goal on two shots and had one hit Saturday in a 3-0 win over the Predators. | |
| Apr 8, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) will play in Thursday's game versus the Blue Jackets, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Mar 31, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Coach Jon Cooper was hoping Cernak (lower body) would be further along in his recovery, but the 23-year-old blueliner is still "steps back," Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Mar 30, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | According to coach Jon Cooper, Cernak (lower body) is still at least a game or two away from returning, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Mar 27, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) won't play Saturday against Carolina, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Mar 25, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) won't play in Thursday's game versus the Stars, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Mar 25, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Thursday night's matchup with Dallas, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Mar 9, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak scored a goal on three shots, dished an assist and added a fighting major in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Red Wings. | |
| Mar 9, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) is expected to play Tuesday against Detroit, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Mar 8, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Head coach Jon Cooper is "hopeful" that Cernak (upper body) will be ready for Tuesday's game versus the Red Wings, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Mar 7, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) won't return to Sunday's game against the Blackhawks after taking a hit to the head from Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy in the second period, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Mar 5, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) will return to the lineup for Friday's tilt with the Blackhawks, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. | |
| Mar 4, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) won't play in Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Feb 27, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) is expected to play Saturday against Dallas, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Feb 25, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (lower body) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Hurricanes, Caley Chelios of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Feb 8, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak registered an assist, three shots on goal, three blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Monday's 4-1 win over the Predators. | |
| Feb 1, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak was plus-1 with two shots and two blocks while adding four PIM in Monday's 5-2 win over Nashville. | |
| Feb 1, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) took part in warmups and is expected to suit up against the Predators on Monday, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Feb 1, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) skated with the team during Monday's morning practice, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Jan 30, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) won't play Saturday against the Predators, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Jan 28, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (upper body) isn't expected to play Thursday against the Hurricanes, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Jan 25, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak is considered day-to-day after sustaining an upper-body injury against Columbus on Saturday. | |
| Jan 23, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) will not return to Saturday's game against the Blue Jackets, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Jan 8, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak (undisclosed) is on the ice for Friday's practice, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports. | |
| Jan 4, 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak was hung up on visa issues and won't be able to join the team until Thursday, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports. | |
| Dec 22, 2020 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Erik Cernak | Cernak signed a three-year, $8.85 million contract with the Lightning on Tuesday. | |
| Nov 30, 2019 | Tampa Bay Lightning | announced D Erik Cernak has served his suspension. | |
| Nov 26, 2019 | Suspended | Tampa Bay Lightning | (NHL) suspended D Erik Cernak two games for elbowing an unsuspecting opponent. |
| Nov 13, 2018 | Recalled | Tampa Bay Lightning | recalled D Erik Cernak from Syracuse (AHL). |
| Sep 30, 2018 | Assigned | Tampa Bay Lightning | assigned D Erik Cernak to Syracuse (AHL). |
| May 12, 2018 | Recalled | Tampa Bay Lightning | recalled D Erik Cernak from Syracuse (AHL). |
| Sep 25, 2017 | Assigned | Tampa Bay Lightning | assigned D Erik Cernak to Syracuse (AHL). |
| Jul 14, 2015 | Los Angeles Kings | signed D Erik Cernak to a three year, entry-level contract. |
2021-2022 Regular Season Stats
|
Erik Cernak |
GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | TOI | GF% | DFF% | Rel DFF% | CF% | Rel CF% | G60 | P60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Lightning
|
55 | 1 | 12 | 13 | 7 | 46 | 856 | 50.70 | 53.30 | 3.10 | 52.80 | 3.00 | 0.07 | 0.91 |
| Erik Cernak Stats by Elite Prospects | Erik Cernak Advanced Stats by  |
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Career Stats
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | TOI | GF% | DFF% | Rel DFF% | CF% | Rel CF% | G60 | P60 | Playoffs | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-2012 | HC Kosice U18 | Slovakia U18 | 37 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 61 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2012-2013 | Slovakia U17 (all) | International-Jr | 9 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2012-2013 | HC Slovan Bratislava U20 | Slovakia U20 | 30 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 18 | Playoffs | 12 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2012-2013 | Slovakia U17 | WHC-17 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2012-2013 | Team Slovakia U20 | Slovakia2 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2012-2013 | Slovakia U18 (all) | International-Jr | 8 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2012-2013 | Slovakia U18 | WJC-18 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2012-2013 | HC Slovan Bratislava U18 | Slovakia U18 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Playoffs | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2013-2014 | HC Kosice U20 | Slovakia U20 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 16 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013-2014 | HC Kosice | Slovakia | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Playoffs | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2013-2014 | Team Slovakia U20 | Slovakia | 20 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013-2014 | Slovakia U20 (all) | International-Jr | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013-2014 | Slovakia U20 | WJC-20 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013-2014 | Slovakia U18 | WJC-18 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| Draft Yr | 2014-2015 | HC Kosice | Slovakia | 43 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 16 | Playoffs | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |||||||||
| Draft Yr | 2014-2015 | HC Kosice | Champions HL | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Playoffs | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |||||||||
| Draft Yr | 2014-2015 | Slovakia U20 (all) | International-Jr | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 8 | |||||||||||||||
| Draft Yr | 2014-2015 | Slovakia U20 | WJC-20 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| Draft Yr | 2014-2015 | Slovakia (all) | International | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | |||||||||||||||
| 2015-2016 | Erie Otters | OHL | 41 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 35 | Playoffs | 13 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2015-2016 | Slovakia U20 | WJC-20 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2016-2017 | Erie Otters | OHL | 50 | 3 | 18 | 21 | 53 | Playoffs | 22 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2016-2017 | Slovakia U20 | WJC-20 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2016-2017 | Erie Otters | M-Cup | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Playoffs | 22 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2017-2018 | Syracuse Crunch | AHL | 71 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 70 | Playoffs | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2017-2018 | Slovakia (all) | International | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2018-2019 | Syracuse Crunch | AHL | 9 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2018-2019 | Tampa Bay Lightning | NHL | 58 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 58 | 926 | 60.23 | 55.40 | 2.45 | 51.22 | -0.65 | 0.26 | 0.97 | Playoffs | 4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2018-2019 | Slovakia | WC | 7 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2018-2019 | Slovakia (all) | International | 9 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2019-2020 | Tampa Bay Lightning | NHL | 67 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 59 | 997 | 54.40 | 49.90 | -4.40 | 51.40 | -1.70 | 0.24 | 0.72 | Playoffs | 25 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 2020-2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | NHL | 46 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 38 | 720 | 50.80 | 54.70 | 3.60 | 54.30 | 3.10 | 0.33 | 1.17 | Playoffs | 21 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 0 | ||
| 2021-2022 | Tampa Bay Lightning | NHL | 55 | 1 | 12 | 13 | 46 | 856 | 50.70 | 53.30 | 3.10 | 52.80 | 3.00 | 0.07 | 0.91 | Playoffs | 22 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Erik Cernak Stats by Elite Prospects | Erik Cernak Advanced Stats by |
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Active Contract
Standard Contract | 3 Years $8,850,000 3.58% of cap space
| 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cap Hit | $2,950,000 | $2,950,000 | $2,950,000 | RFA |
| AAV | $2,950,000 | $2,950,000 | $2,950,000 | |
| Performance Bonuses | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Base Salary | $775,000 | $1,950,000 | $4,425,000 | |
| Signing Bonuses | $700,000 | $1,000,000 | $0 | |
| Total Salary | $1,475,000 | $2,950,000 | $4,425,000 | |
| Minors Salary | $1,475,000 | $2,950,000 | $4,425,000 | |
| Clauses | ||||
| UFA Year | ||||
| Buy It Out | ||||
Contract History
Entry Level Contract | 3 Years $2,092,500 1.03% of cap space