Lightning's Erik Cernak: Off long-term injured reserve

Cernak (hand) was activated off long-term injured reserve and is expected to play Wednesday versus Anaheim, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Cernak hasn't been in the lineup since Nov. 22 because of the injury. He has four assists, 21 PIM, 40 hits and 43 blocks in 19 outings in 2025-26. Max Crozier might be a healthy scratch Wednesday as a result of Cernak's return.