Charlie Cerrato (C, L, 5’11”, 186, Penn State, 03/01/2005, Penn State)
Charlie Cerrato is a competitive, intelligent two-way center who plays a high-paced, puck-distributing game. He’s highly involved in all three zones and demonstrates a mature, detail-oriented style that aligns well with pro structure. His vision and touch on the puck are elite, and he processes plays quickly. However, concerns remain about his physical maturity, ability to finish chances, and consistency in puck management, especially against heavier competition. He projects as a potential middle-six center who can play with pace and awareness, but will need physical development and refinement in execution to fulfill that role at the NHL level.
Why He Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- High-End Playmaking Vision and IQ
Cerrato’s 1.68 completed passes per game leading directly to Grade “A” scoring chances is an elite figure for a collegiate center and a reflection of his poise, vision, and timing. He plays a quick-touch, pro-style possession game, consistently identifying seams and manipulating defenders. He sees the ice extremely well and is effective both on the power play and at even strength when driving play through the middle. - Two-Way Engagement and Faceoff Strength
Cerrato is a strong faceoff presence (55%), takes 17 draws per game, and has taken on penalty-killing minutes, showing trust from his coaching staff. He uses strong positioning and a quick stick to generate 3.7 takeaways per game, and blocks nearly a shot per night. His ability to maintain defensive detail while creating offense is a big selling point for his projection as a utility 200-foot center. - Motor, Forecheck Timing, and Offensive Zone Anticipation
He plays with a forechecking rhythm and a high motor, angling and pressuring with intent. His 2.0 Grade “A” scoring chances per game are evidence of his ability to arrive in the right spaces at the right time. He’s also strong at recovering pucks after shots (2.3 per game) and reads offensive zone movement extremely well.
Why He Might Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Physical Limitations and Puck Battle Losses
Despite being 5’11”, 186 lbs — Cerrato struggles physically. He wins just 44% of his 50/50 puck battles, is hit 1.35 times per game, and can get pushed off pucks by larger college defenders. In the defensive zone, this limits his ability to kill plays early or retrieve and escape pressure. These numbers suggest he could struggle against pro-sized, pro-paced National League competition. - Inconsistent Execution After First Contact
Multiple Neutral Zone evaluations note that Cerrato starts shifts with good energy, but fades or loses puck strength after initial contact. His seven giveaways per game is a high and concerning number, especially given his relatively low-risk pass style. He needs to simplify more under pressure and work on keeping pucks alive when support is limited. - Average Finishing Ability
Despite creating and finding scoring areas, Cerrato converts on only 15% of Grade “A” chances. While not disastrous, this reflects a lack of deception or quick-strike finish, and he may struggle to translate looks into production against higher-level goaltenders. His shot needs to become more threatening for him to be used in a meaningful offensive role at the next level.
Projection:
Cerrato projects as a potential middle-six forward with power play upside and penalty kill reliability. If he can add muscle and improve his puck protection, he can play at pace and support both special teams. His smarts and quick puck movement fit well in a third-line, matchup role, but his path to the NHL will require physical and finishing development.
Draft Recommendation:
Early 5th – 6th Round Grade
Cerrato’s vision, pace, and cerebral play give him clear pro traits, but his lack of strength and inability to consistently win physical matchups create questions about how much of his game will translate to the NHL. If a development staff can bulk him up and refine his puck decisions under pressure, he has a real shot to carve out an NHL role as a utility center.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images