Peter Cehlarik is one of the more intriguing players in the Boston Bruins system. He’s in his fourth year with the Bruins, but he can’t seem to nail down a roster spot. This begs the question: is it time for the Bruins to give up on Cehlarik?
Boston drafted Cehlarik in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft. After a few seasons with Lulea in the Swedish Hockey League, Cehlarik joined Providence in 2016. He made an instant impact in the AHL, as he scored 20 goals in his first season.
Cehlarik’s play earned him a callup to Boston, where he played 11 games in the 2016-2017 season. He only managed two points, but he didn’t look too out of place out there. At only 21, Cehlarik appeared to have a bright future with the Bruins.
That said, Cehlarik failed to turn his potential into anything substantial. He got a few more chances in Boston, but he couldn’t find a way to stick with the big club.
He only played six games with the Bruins in the 2017-2018 season, and he had one goal and one assist. Cehlarik did get 20 games in Boston last season, but he didn’t make much of an impact with his six points.
Given his lackluster production, there was a question as to whether or not Boston would resign him after his entry-level deal expired last summer. The Bruins did give Cehlarik last chance with a one-year, $700,000 contract extension.
Cehlarik went into training camp ready to earn a spot, and he actually looked solid in preseason action. He, however, injured his shoulder, and this pretty much forced him to start his season in the AHL.
Cehlarik took the demotion in stride, got healthy, and then started on fire in Providence. He had six goals in his first seven AHL games. As such, it was no surprise when Boston recalled him.
Once again, Cehlarik had a chance to prove himself with the Bruins, but he hasn’t really taken advantage. He has no points in two games, and he averaged under 11 minutes in ice time.
Stats don’t always tell the whole story, but they do in Cehlarik’s case. He isn’t really noticeable out there; he kind of blends in with everyone else.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially for a young player. Cehlarik is steady, and he doesn’t make costly mistakes. He rarely turns the puck over, and he never looks totally lost defensively.
That said, if he has any future in Boston, he needs to provide some upside. And this has yet to be the case. Cehlarik doesn’t create many chances, and he’s not elite defensively. Plus, he’s not a specialist who can kill penalties or can set the tone physically.
Then there’s Cehlarik’s position. He plays the left wing, a position where the Bruins are incredibly deep. Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk fill out the top six, and Anders Bjork is right behind them. All three remain under team control beyond this year.
Look in Providence and you’ll find Jakub Lauko, who continues to impress in only his second year in the system.
With better talent in front of him and promising prospects on the come up, the time is now for Cehlarik to assert himself in Boston. But, based on his play, his days with the Bruins may be numbered.
Because of his NHL experience, Cehlarik is subject to waivers. The Bruins have been careful to bring him up as an emergency recall, but you have to wonder if they’ll waive him at some point. If they do, don’t be surprised if another team claims him.
Cehlarik is probably too good for the AHL, but he doesn’t really look like a regular NHLer. He’s a classic tweener who will continue to get chances to earn regular playing time.
You just have to wonder how many more of those chances will be in Boston.