Erik Cernak has a bright future with the Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, FL - MAY 23: Erik Cernak #81 of the Tampa Bay Lightning checks Maxim Mamin #98 of the Florida Panthers during the first period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on May 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak just finished year five with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He joined the team back in 2017 during a trade between the Bolts and Los Angeles Kings that sent then goaltender Ben Bishop away to the west coast.

This season was arguably Cernak's best yet. He finished with 70 games played (the most of any season) and had 100 blocked shots and 209 hits during his time on the ice. The specific time on the ice clocked in at 1,347 minutes. That was also the most of any season yet.

The Tampa Bay defenseman played in just two games in the recent playoff series against Toronto. A hard hit to the upper body sidelined him for the remainder of the Bolts’ first-round exit.

Cernak is also just 26 years old and is currently under a 8-year contract with the Lightning that goes through 2032. His future with the Bolts is going to be extended, and he can provide a lot to the team.

The Slovakian native towers at 6 feet and 4 inches tall. His size is a major part of his game as he uses it to be an aggressive back skater in the defensive zone, often alongside fellow defenseman Victor Hedman. He can cover lots of ground with underrated speed, knock opposing players off balance, and keep opposing offenses out of rhythm.

His size also allows him to take up a lot of space that, leads to the high shot block totals just like the one we saw in 2022. Cernak has had 70+ total blocks in four out of five seasons with Tampa Bay. He can use his wide frame to block pucks coming toward the net in multiple directions.

Looking at the Lightning's current defenseman, Cernak is one of the younger guys on the roster that they are looking to go long-term with. His unique game, long contract, and fabulous 2022-23 season are all signs that he can be a guy Tampa Bay looks towards to keep a "cup-winning" mentality among the defensive unit.

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