Erik Cernak

Cernak remains a key cog on defense for Tampa Bay, averaging nearly 20 minutes per game (19:14 in 2022-23) every single season while chipping in some hits (209) and blocks (100) and generating virtually zero offense. Cernak has never recorded more than 18 points in any one campaign. The Lightning, however, clearly value what Cernak brings to the table given they handed him an eight-year, $41.6 million deal in July 2022. Unfortunately, he still won't help in fantasy come draft day, especially since he's always prone to missing a few games with injuries.

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.

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.