Feb 8: Cehlarik didn’t have to wait long for a new job. He has signed a contract with Leksands IF that runs through the 2025-26 season. That essentially ends any speculation that he could return to North America.
Feb 6: A former NHL forward is on the open market again, as Peter Cehlarik has terminated his contract with EV Zug of the Swiss National League. The two-year deal was signed last summer, but Cehlarik did not live up to expectations, according to the press release.
Still just 27, Cehlarik was part of Slovakia’s medal-winning Olympic club last season and had 24 points in 38 games this year. The former Boston Bruins forward left North America in 2020 to play in Sweden, and then spent last season in the KHL. At each stop, he has played well, even scoring 12 points in 13 games during last year’s KHL playoffs. But he can’t seem to stay in one place long and will now become a free agent again.
It will be interesting to see if he ever tries to return to North America, as there would certainly be AHL clubs lined up to add his offense to their roster. The last time he was in the minor leagues, Cehlarik scored 16 goals and 37 points in 48 games for the Providence Bruins. He also had 40 appearances with the Bruins over the years and added 11 points. Young enough to still make an impact somewhere, he will likely not be out of work very long.