It was a very challenging season for Peter Cehlarik for sure. He started the year with some injury woes, once he was finally ready to come back and play, there wasn’t an opening for him. He has put his last season and the contract extension with the Boston Bruins, in the rear-view mirror.
After getting healthy again, it was a very painful experience for the Slovakian winger not to play in the Winter Classic. A few weeks following the Winter Classic, which the Boston Bruins ended up winning in a thrilling fashion, Peter Cehlarik finally received a call-up.
He scored two goals in his season‘s debut, which was huge. However, Peter Cehlarik was able to follow-up with only 4 points in the next 19 games. In the playoffs, it was almost impossible for him to play with the big team.
“After my season in Providence ended, I was in touch with the General Manager of Team Slovakia. He was able to wait until the very last moment, but unfortunately, the Bruins management didn’t allow me to leave Boston,“ said Cehlarik in an interview in his home country Slovakia (in Slovakian).
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Slovakia hosted the World Championship in May, as such Pete Cehlarik was eager to represent in his home country, but he had to stay ready to play for the Boston Bruins in the playoffs, if needed.
“It was challenging. I was never really in contact with the big guys. Just up from the Conference Final, we started to practice with the main squad as well. We even travelled with them on the plane for the road games, all together. However, we practised separately,” described Peter Cehlarik as to how it works when you are in on the roster as a depth player.
“You know, it‘s the playoffs. Players are going to play through broken hands and legs. I was never going to get my chance, but I had to be ready. I was maybe the second best depth option as the left winger,” admitted Cehlarik of his role during the playoffs.
“Once the club reached the Conference Final, we joined the main team. The team‘s management, as well as the coaches and Zdeno Chara; they all talked to us highlighting our importance. They wanted to make sure that we are in the airplane mode. No distractions, just training and staying ready. It was tough with knowing that I won‘t play, but I tried my best,” said Cehlarik.
In the playoffs, Peter Cehlarik along with his teammates from the Providence Bruins, had to wait and watch their main roster teammates battle for the Stanley Cup.
"“One thing which will stay in my memory was Zdeno Chara‘s heroics. He got his jaw broken in Game 4 and that he was able to play through it, that was unbelievable. People love him and rightfully so. Watching ovations from the crowd when his name was announced ahead of Game 5 was pretty electric. Goosebumps for sure. I would like to get such an ovation at least once in my career!”"
After the playoffs ended, Peter Cehlarik was ready to get set for the upcoming season, but first the hurdle of his restricted free agent status:
“All the negotiations started right after the playoffs. At first glance, it looked like I was going to get a one-way deal, but then it wound up in a different direction, a bit. At the end of the day, arbitration would not help me a lot, so I accepted the two-way deal,” commented Cehlarik, who signed a two-way deal with the Bruins just a few days ago.
“But look, they will have to send me down to Providence through waivers and someone can claim me from there. I have some leverage as well; I will try my best to get my spot. My current goal is to play a full regular season at the NHL level without being sent down. I want to achieve it. As of now, I want to accomplish it in Boston; if it won‘t go well, I will try to look at my options,” said Cehlarik after his new contract with the Boston Bruins. For Peter Cehlarik, playing for the Boston Bruins is not a must.
“Boston is an elite team,” Cehlarik said.
“When I was called up in January, I had to be at my best every single game. You can‘t imagine this kind of pressure. But it‘s only good. It‘s not like in Arizona, when the management is not pressing you as much. The Bruins are a very demanding team to play for,” he revealed.
“It will be very tough to claim my spot here, but I will attempt it. Beginning with training camp in September; playing for such a team is a great honor. They helped me a lot, I have been there ever since they drafted me. I have to thank this organisation a lot,” continued Cehlarik, who definitely sees the opportunity looming for him in Boston.
“The most positive fact is, that the Bruins wanted to get me signed. Despite the two-way deal, they wanted me. That‘s very important and encouraging for me,” said Cehlarik, who really feels supported by the team, despite some difficulties.
“If I had to leave this team, it would be necessary, perhaps. But I‘m staying positive,” concluded Cehlarik.
Peter Cehlarik has been given another chance by the Boston Bruins. As it looks now, a roster spot looks improbable for him. It doesn’t matter for the Slovak, he wants to convince he belongs in the NHL. He embraces the opportunity given by the Bruins.