Kings select Erik Cernak with the 43rd pick
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The Los Angeles Kings selected Erik Cernak with the 43rd pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
2014-15 Stats:
| Team | GP | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC Kosice | 43 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 16 |
Overview:
Cernak is a big body on the back end, coming in at 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, and just 17 years of age. He is a good shutdown defenseman who uses his size to be physical. He can be a menace for forwards in front of the net.
The blueliner can be useful on the powerplay, but with his big size, his speed is not as great as one might like. However, when it comes to clearing the front of the net for his goaltender, there are few in the draft who can do it as well as Cernak.
What the scouts are saying:
"Cernak has played well above his age group for many years and has acquitted himself quite well," said TSN's Director of Scouting Craig Button. "There is no area of his game that stands out but he is an effective defenseman who can contribute in an efficient manner. Improving his agility, mobility, and quickness will help better utilize his size."
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