Former Edmonton Oilers prospect Martin Gernat has inked a deal with HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Liiga, reports Msport.sk
The 122nd overall pick in the 2011 draft, Gernat has spent his career since being drafted playing for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, followed by time in the Oilers system and, briefly, the Anaheim Ducks affiliate in San Diego. This season he split time between the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors and the San Diego Gulls after being a part of the trade that sent Patrick Maroon to Edmonton.
Now, the 23-year-old defender is headed back to Europe on what is presumed to be a one-year deal to play in Prague.
Following some productive seasons for the Oil Kings, he wasn’t able to find success in the AHL that would allow him to continue climbing the North American professional ranks. In particular, his offensive game continues to recede, following a nearly point-per-game pace for the Oil Kings in 2011-12
In his first pro season he recorded 21 points in 57 games, and followed that up by dropping down to just nine points in 54 games. This year, he recorded three points in 22 games for Bakersfield, followed by no points in five regular season matches for San Diego.