Erik Cernak

Age 24 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
Draft Year 2015
Drafted Overall 43
Draft Round 2
Draft Team Los Angeles Kings
  • Cap Hit: $2,950,000
  • 3.6% of team cap space
  • Accumulated Cap Hit: $0
  • Year 2 of 3 year contract
  • Expiry Status RFA | 2023 | 26 yrs old
  • Career Earnings: $6,517,500

Transaction History
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).
Feb 26, 2017 Trade Los Angeles Kings | acquired G Ben Bishop and a 2017 fifth-round draft pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning for G Peter Budaj, D Erik Cernak, a 2017 seventh-round draft pick and a 2017 conditional draft pick.
Jul 14, 2015 Los Angeles Kings | signed D Erik Cernak to a three year, entry-level contract.
2020-2021 Regular Season Stats

Erik Cernak		 GP G A P +/- PIM TOI GF% DFF% Rel DFF% CF% Rel CF% G60 P60
Tampa Bay Lightning 46 5 13 18 8 38 720 50.80 54.70 3.60 54.30 3.10 0.33 1.17
Erik Cernak Stats by Elite Prospects Erik Cernak Advanced Stats by
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
Erik Cernak Stats by Elite Prospects | Erik Cernak Advanced Stats by

Active Contract

Signing Team
Signing Date December 22, 2020
Signing Status RFA
Agent Craig Oster
Buyout Calculator
Standard Contract | 3 Years $8,850,000 3.62% 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 Buy It Out

Contract History

Signing Team
Signing Date July 14, 2015
Agent Craig Oster
Entry Level Contract | 3 Years $2,092,500 1.03% of cap space
2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020
Cap Hit $732,500 $708,333 $697,500 $697,500 $697,500
RFA
AAV $925,000 $900,833 $890,000 $890,000 $890,000
Performance Bonuses $0 $0 $227,500 $202,500 $147,500
Base Salary $0 $0 $650,000 $650,000 $700,000
Signing Bonuses $92,500 $92,500 $92,500 $0 $0
Total Salary $0 $0 $742,500 $650,000 $700,000
Minors Salary $0 $0 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000
Clauses
UFA Year