Over the years, Peter Cehlarik has become a well-known name in Boston. The Slovakian native has always had high upside but has yet to secure a roster spot at the NHL level. This past training camp, Cehlarik failed to capitalize on his latest opportunity and was placed on waivers earlier this week. Although he went unclaimed, he will return to Providence to start the season. Cehlarik will join a talented lineup, making his rise to the NHL even harder.
Furthermore, the Bruins selected Cehlarik in the third round of the 2013 NHL draft. Since making his NHL debut in 2016, Cehlarik has appeared in just 37 games for the Bruins over the past three years. During that stretch, he has hardly made an impact offensively, as he has just five goals and five assists. His best run came last season in 20 games, where he had four goals and two assists. However, he failed to make an impact as he did in Providence.
In three AHL seasons, the former 90th overall pick has averaged 30 points a year. His best season came in 2016-2017 when he had 38 points in 49 games. Unfortunately, he has been unable to translate his success to the NHL. Every one of his promotions has either ended with injuries or setbacks.
Despite his struggles, the Bruins agreed to a one-year extension with Cehlarik this offseason. The deal by many was seen as a “prove-it” situation, as it did not ensure him a spot on the opening night roster. Just like in the past, he will have to fight for a spot on the Bruins’ roster.
With Cehlarik starting the season in the AHL, his path to the NHL becomes daunting. Providence is full of talent that is eager to make an impact in Boston. Highly-regarded prospects such as Jack Studnicka and Jakub Lauko will get there first taste of NHL action after impressive preseason performances. Although Cehlarik already has NHL experience, that does not guarantee that he will be the first player called up once injuries inevitably hit.
Additionally, Cehlarik will have to show an improved offense approach and stay healthy. Although he has played well in the AHL, he tends to disappear at the NHL level or go through prolonged stretches with zeros on the stat sheet. Due to Studnicka’s and Lauko’s offensive ceiling, he can not afford another failed call up.
With the start of the regular season only hours away every NHL team and player is about to embark on a fresh start. For the Bruins that means moving past last season’s disappointing ending and writing a better encore. For that to happen, they will need their young players to take the next step. For Cehlarik, his margin for error is small, as he looks to fulfill his potential before his chances in Boston run out.
