New Coyote Martin Erat should be able to flourish with the Phoenix Coyotes at least partly because he is familiar with the other Czech players on the team, according to team star Radim Vrbata. Like Erat, Vrbata, Martin Hanzal and Zbynek Michalek are from Czechoslovakia. "It always makes it easier," Vrbata said. "Not that you don't speak to the other guys. You do. But still, it's a long season. It's nice to come to the rink and you can speak in your language and if you're on the road, you can go together to dinner. Just talk about stuff that is going on in Czech or stuff like that."

Martin Erat meshed well with Radim Vrbata in his Coyotes debut. Erat got a chance to play alongside his Czech countryman, Vrbata, after Phoenix acquired Erat from Washington on Tuesday. Although Erat didn't get a point in his debut, he still helped Vrbata find the back of the net twice. "Hopefully we'll get even better as we practice more together and skate together and play more games together," Vrbata said. "So hopefully this is just the start." Although Erat has had a disappointing season, he should finish the campaign on a high note with Phoenix.

Martin Erat (lower body) is expected to make his Coyotes' debut on Thursday on a line with Radim Vrbata. Phoenix acquired Erat on Tuesday from the Washington Capitals. Erat has a goal and 24 points in 53 games this season. His production is likely to increase with Phoenix though, given that his role with Washington was very limited at times.

Martin Erat was dealt to the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday night along with John Mitchell in exchange for Chris Brown, Rostislav Klesla and a fourth round pick. The Capitals finally accommodated Erat's trade request from earlier in the season. The 32 year-old has seen his role diminish in Washington this season after being acquired by the Caps just last year. Washington parted with highly touted prospect Filip Forsberg in the deal, while Erat has produced just one goal and 24 points in 53 games this season.

Martin Erat missed Saturday's game with a lower body injury. Erat was hurt on Thursday when he blocked a shot. He is looking to get traded and has only one goal (an empty netter) and 22 assists in 52 games this season. Consider him day-to-day and hopefully he hasn't been in your fantasy lineup all season.

Martin Erat confirmed that he's still seeking a trade. There was some speculation that Erat might have changed his mind, given that his playing time has increased with the Capitals. He didn't want to go into detail as to why he would like to be traded, but Capitals GM George McPhee said that he will try to accommodate his request.

Martin Erat scored his first goal of the season on Saturday. It took the forward 51 games to find the back of the cage and he needed an empty net to do it. He is now tied in goals with goaltender Mike Smith this season as Smith also scored with an empty net. Erat has 21 assists this season and is headed to Sochi to play for the Czech Republic.

Martin Erat will represent the Czech Republic in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Erat didn't make the initial roster, but he's a late addition due to the injury to Vladimir Sobotka. Erat has 21 points in 48 games this season.

Martin Erat had an assist on Saturday, giving him 21 this season. The amazing stat for Erat is that he still has not scored a goal in 48 NHL games this season. Even goaltender Mike Smith has a goal this season. If Erat is on your roster, hopefully you do not play the goals category.

Martin Erat and Jiri Hudler are both on a five man list of possible replacements for injured Czech Olympian Valdimir Sobotka. Since Sobotka was ruled out for the Sochi games this weekend with a leg injury, Czech Head Coach Alois Hadamczik has a big decision to make. Jiri Hudler appears to be the most noteworthy Czech snub from the team (42 points in 55 games for Calgary), however Hadamczik said the team might be looking for player who is more defensive and physical to take Sobotka's spot. Thus, Erat (who has 0 goals in 47 games this season) is a candidate along with Czech league and KHL players Tomas Rolinek, Jan Kovar and Zbynek Irgl.