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Roman Cervenka replaces David Krejci on Czech Republic World Cup roster

Edmonton Oilers v Calgary Flames

CALGARY, CANADA - JANUARY 26: Roman Cervenka #10 of the Calgary Flames is checked along the boards by Mark Fistric #45 of the Edmonton Oilers in second period play in NHL action on January 26, 2013 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Mike Ridewood/Getty Images)

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With David Krejci unable to play in the World Cup of Hockey later this month as he continues to recover from offseason hip surgery, the Czech Republic had a pretty big hole on its roster.

It attempted to fill that vacant spot by replacing Krejci with former Calgary Flames forward Roman Cervenka on Saturday morning.

Cervenka, 30, spent one year in the NHL as a member of the Flames during the 2012-13 season, scoring nine goals and adding eight assists in 39 regular season games. In the years since he has spent time playing in the KHL, and most recently in the Czech league this past season as a member of Chomutov Pirati. He had 61 points (23 goals, 38 assists) in 49 games this past season.

This is obviously a pretty big downgrade for a Czech Republic roster that was already one of the underdogs in the tournament.

Nothing against Cervenka, who has had a fine career in Europe, but Krejci is a top-line NHL player that can make a significantly larger impact. That is a big spot to fill.

Krejci had 63 points (17 goals, 46 assists) in 72 games for the Bruins this past season.