Observations:

March 2016 – Gernat was traded to Anaheim (along with a fourth-rounder) for Patrick Maroon. Worst possible spot for Gernat in terms of fantasy value as Anaheim is exceedingly deep when it comes to puck-moving defensemen prospects. – Dobber

September 2015 – Gernat finds himself on the outside looking in for the first two Oilers pre-season games (a aplit squad against the rival Flames). The Oilers are dressing 14 different defensemen between both games so it is a bit of a surprise to find Gernat's name nowehre to be found. After a sub-par sophomore AHL season, Gernat will have to show the brass he can play at a higher level to crack Bakersfield this season. He could be bounced back and forth between Norfolk and Bakersfield all season long. He remains a long shot to make it as a NHL regular. Tyler Thomson

May 2015 – Gernat won’t turn any heads with his calm demeanor and safe defensive game to be sure. The 23-year-old has regressed offensively after his second season in the AHL but that’s not to say his game has suffered. He rarely gets caught out of position and often makes his partner look a lot better. Fantasy wise it could be a boom or bust year for Gernat as there isn’t much to offer other than a potential peripheral category player. Gernat risks walking the line of losing his prospect status in another year or two but this campaign could be his breakout one. It is very difficult for young defensemen to breakthrough at a young age, not to mention European bred defensemen who take a little more time adjusting to North American ice. Even Adam Larsson and Victor Hedman had steep learning curves and Gernat is not the highly regarded stud that the latter two were considered. Gernat will show this season whether or not he is worth a fantasy flier in your dynasty league. Tyler Thomson

February 2015 – In his second season with Oklahoma City, Martin Gernat appears to still be adjusting to the professional game. The lanky defender has been a healthy scratch at times but plays a very responsible game. His production hasn't increased in any significant way with no goals and six points in 37 appearances. After a season with 21 points in 57 contests it comes as a mild disappointment but is hardly out of the ordinary for a young defenceman in the AHL. Gernat will continue to hone his craft with the Barons this season and a long playoff run for the first place club could prove to be a huge development boon for Gernat and the rest of the Oilers hopeful. Tyler Thomson

September 2013 – After shortened 2012-13 WHL season due to shoulder injury, Martin Gernat came back and performed well for the Edmonton Oil Kings tallying three goals and 13 points in 23 regular season games before tacking on an impressive six goals and 17 points in 22 playoff games. Over his WHL career, Gernat has shown to be a defensive stud, finishing with gaudy plus-minus ratings. Gernat is a stabilizing presence on the blue line and has shown promise as a steady two-way defenseman. At 6-foot-5, Gernat's reach and physical strength provide an advantage to his astute defensive game. Gernat will be entering his first professional season with Oklahoma and if he can impress, he could earn a roster spot with the Oilers sooner than later. Brendan Ross

April 2012 – Gernat was one of the most surprising rookies in the WHL this season. He seemingly came out of nowhere to put up 55 points in only 60 games. He also represented Slovakia in the WJC and had two points in six games. He was matched up against the best young talented in the world and faired pretty good, leading his team to a sixth place finish. He has also been solid for the Edmonton Oil Kings. He is big reason why they have one of the best defenses in the west. He could get a lot of exposure and experience if his team can continue their torrid playoff run. – Zenon Herasymiuk

December 2011 – History, it seems, is repeating itself. One year after fellow Slovak and former teammate Martin Marincin netted 56 points as a rookie in the WHL, 6’6 Martin Gernat is well on his way to passing those numbers. Or, was. That was until Edmonton Oil Kings head coach Derek Laxdal reminded Gernat that his title is defenseman, not carry-the-puck-and-turn-it-over-man. Now reigning in his dangerous sorties up ice, the tall, talented Gernat is beginning to realize the potential his long limbs have in both zones. Matthew Bugg

Fantasy Outlook: D+

As long as he's in the Anaheim organization, he'll never become a puck-mover at the NHL level because there are too many superior options for the Ducks.

Footage:

Beauty Gernat shootout goal:

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