What becomes of Cervenka?

[BigRed]

I haven't seen many games recently, so I'm wondering: Is Hartley giving him the chance to audition for a roster spot next year, or is he just playing out the string and back to the KHL?

I remember the first dozen games or so when he seemed to have great chemistry with Hudler; then all of a sudden he was getting 5 min/night. No question the guy is skilled; not sure that's enough given the other deficiencies in his game.

At the same time, tough year with injuries, language barrier and adjustment to the ice surface and league in general. Do we give him another year? Would he even take it?

[bax]

If he wants to come back, he deserves it in my opinion. Not a great season, but not terrible either. He is only going to get better as he plays more on NA ice. This team will be pretty bad next year so it's not like we don't have room for him.

[StrykerSteve]

Re-sign him.

[Parallex]

I don't figure he's with us next year. Healthy scratched or given minimal minutes to many times for what he was thought to be to be back. Hartley obviously isn't a fan of his. I could see some other team in the NHL giving him a shot next year but it won't be us and he may just go back to the KHL.

[Drury18]

I think he deserves another chance to start the season with no medical problems, his family here and more comfortable with the language/culture. I believe too many people expected him to play like a veteran when in reality, he was no different then some of our rookies on the team we had some patience with.

I was reading something that Cervenka had the 14th overall shooting percentage in the NHL. He knows how to score when he has the puck and I think with a little direction from the coaching staff in the off season and a training camp where he's not battling potentially serious medical problems and leaving a less than month old baby halfway around the world, we will see a much better player.

And please, put the Czech line together on a permanant basis. Or at least Horak and him together because that is just some beautiful passing plays there. Horak can set him up to score the goals.

[OzSome]

I don't think Hartley have any confidence in him that's why he hasn't played much and Hartley haven't tried him on his natural position which is a centre. I would like Feaster to re-sign him but I doubt he will from Hartley's suggestion. I really think he can help this team if given a chance.

[dammage79]

I hope he wants to come back. But it'll be ultimately up to Hartleys opinion I think. If he thinks he can work with him going forward then yeah he will be re-signed.

Personally, I would like to see him return.

[Locke]

Just for reference:

38 GP (To date)

9 Goals
8 Assists
17 Points
-13

In an 82 game regular season you're looking at a 40 point forward.

[bubbsy]

no thanks.

Give that roster spot/time to a guy who adds some grit and sandpaper to the team.

We have enough wingers with his skillset/

[polak]

Sign him. He has been getting better as the season goes on.

[schmaaadm]

Would love to see him back. 17 points in a shortnened season, limited ice time, and health and language issues coming into the year. Not to mention he's still an NHL rookie! Hopefully feaster and bring him back next year. Don't think we've seen all he can bring yet...

[skudr248]

So 40 point forward over a span of 82 games... WHILE PLAYING WHAT 5 MINS A GAME? hmmm..... I honestly don't like hartley..

[ignite09]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

no thanks.

Give that roster spot/time to a guy who adds some grit and sandpaper to the team.

We have enough wingers with his skillset/

Even if we have players of his skill set on the team, you still sign him. He should be able to put up 50 points a year during a full season when comfortable, and even if he doesn't fit into the long term plans he becomes a tradable asset next year or the year after. Flames have been stupid with asset management for a decade now, time to improve that part of the organization.

[nik-]

I'd like to see him back. I doubt he chooses to stay though.

[red sky]

He has improved immensely over the last 15 games. Is it a coincidence that he has looked better with more ice time or was he earning that ice time? Anyways, he looks a bit more engaged lately and you definitely see the skill. He still is pretty terrible defensively but he has improved in that regard as well. If he is willing I’d sign him for another year.

[BigRed]

Originally Posted by nik-

I'd like to see him back. I doubt he chooses to stay though.

Maybe not with the Flames. But hard to believe he's ready to give up on the NHL. Now that he knows what he needs to do to prepare, he'll have 4 months to get ready. He'll be a useful player for someone.

[Vinny01]

2 years $4-$5M total

[neo45]

I'd love to see him back, if he gets in shape and gets adjusted to NA then he is just as good as Hudler. The playing time he was given this year was BS

One mistake and he was benched while Tanguay led the forwards in ice time all year

[bubbsy]

Originally Posted by ignite09

Even if we have players of his skill set on the team, you still sign him. He should be able to put up 50 points a year during a full season when comfortable, and even if he doesn't fit into the long term plans he becomes a tradable asset next year or the year after. Flames have been stupid with asset management for a decade now, time to improve that part of the organization.

fair point.

[Redrum]

I'd rather keep him than Hudler. Too bad he's signed for another decade or whatever. He was great early in the season but lately Ive forgotten he's even on the team when I hear his name.