Cernak was plus-1 with two shots and two blocks while adding four PIM in Monday's 5-2 win over Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak (upper body) was out of the lineup for the previous two games but returned to log 15:42 of ice time, including minimal time on both specialty teams units. The big defenseman has one assist with a plus-5 rating through five games.

Cernak (upper body) took part in warmups and is expected to suit up against the Predators on Monday, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak missed the last two games with his upper-body issue but he should be back in action Monday. The 6-foot-3 blueliner has one assist in four games this season. He's expected to be in a top-four role alongside Ryan McDonagh.

Cernak (upper body) skated with the team during Monday's morning practice, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak could return for Monday's home matchup against the Predators, but he'll likely need to be evaluated after practice. The 23-year-old provides little offensive upside for fantasy managers. However, he's a strong stay-at-home defender who can handle big minutes on the blue line.

Cernak (upper body) won't play Saturday against the Predators, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Cernak won't play Saturday, he was on the ice for morning skate and could rejoin Tampa Bay's lineup as soon as Monday's rematch with Nashville. The 23-year-old blueliner has picked up one helper through four games this campaign.

Cernak (upper body) isn't expected to play Thursday against the Hurricanes, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Luke Schenn will replace Cernak in Tampa Bay's top four for Thursday's contest. The 23-year-old blueliner will be reevaluated ahead of Saturday's game versus Nashville.

Cernak is considered day-to-day after sustaining an upper-body injury against Columbus on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Fortunately for Cernak, Tuesday's matchup with Carolina was postponed, which could give him extra time to get back to 100 percent before Thursday. In four games this season, the 23-year-old defenseman has garnered one assist, eight shots and four blocks while averaging 16:32 of ice time. If Cernak can't play Thursday, it would likely mean an uptick in minutes for Cal Foote.

Cernak (undisclosed) will not return to Saturday's game against the Blue Jackets, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak exited Saturday's game after falling awkwardly into the boards in the first period. At this point, the specific nature and severity of Cernak's issue remains unknown, but another update on his status should surface prior to Tuesday's game versus Carolina.

Cernak (undisclosed) is on the ice for Friday's practice, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak missed the first four days of camp while quarantining, but he should still have enough time to get up to speed ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the Blackhawks. The 23-year-old blueliner registered 12 points, 125 shots on goal and 59 PIM in 67 games last campaign.

Cernak was hung up on visa issues and won't be able to join the team until Thursday, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak had immigration issues and is now going through mandatory quarantine. As long as he continues to test negative for COVID-19, Cernak will join the team at practice Thursday. The 23-year-old blueliner should slot into a top-four role this season, but with minimal power-play usage and just 12 points over 67 games last year, Cernak carries little fantasy value.

Cernak signed a three-year, $8.85 million contract with the Lightning on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was a regular in the lineup for Tampa Bay last season, notching 12 points while firing 125 shots on goal in 67 contests. The 23-year-old blueliner wasn't afraid to use his 6-foot-3 frame to his advantage, either, racking up 59 PIM, 172 hits and 97 blocked shots. Cernak should get plenty of ice time in Tampa Bay's top four this season, but he has very little offensive upside, so he'll really only have modest fantasy value in leagues that reward hits, blocks and PIM.