According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff, the Edmonton Oilers are considering placing defenseman Cody Ceci on the trade market due to their current salary cap situation. As reported by PuckPedia, the Oilers are over the salary cap and still need to sign restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Seravalli suggests that trading Ceci, who is entering the final year of a four-year, $20 million contract signed in 2021, could help alleviate their cap crunch.
Seravalli emphasized the demand for right-shot defensemen in Ceci’s salary range, noting that such players are highly sought after, particularly given recent contract trends in the NHL. He mentioned on OilersNow that Ceci’s contract could be appealing to teams dealing with their own salary cap constraints, presenting Edmonton with a potential opportunity to make a move if necessary.
The move would allow the Oilers to secure the services of Broberg, who played a significant role in the team’s recent playoff efforts. Ceci, with just one year remaining on his contract, is viewed as a capable third-pairing defenseman across the league, making him a viable asset for interested teams.
Ceci, originally drafted 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2012, has amassed extensive NHL experience, playing for the Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and currently the Oilers. His career spans 786 regular-season games with 211 points, demonstrating his durability and contribution to various teams over the years.
In the broader context of the Oilers’ offseason activities, which included significant signings like forwards Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, general manager Jeff Jackson expressed satisfaction with the team’s direction. These acquisitions, along with retaining players like Connor Brown, Corey Perry, Adam Henrique, and Mattias Janmark, were part of a strategy to strengthen the team’s offensive capabilities.
Moreover, Edmonton managed to create some salary cap room by trading Ryan McLeod to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for highly regarded prospect Matthew Savoie. This move reflects the team’s proactive approach in managing its financial resources while aiming to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
Overall, while Ceci’s potential trade signifies Edmonton’s efforts to balance its roster and salary cap obligations, the team’s recent moves indicate a proactive approach to enhance its competitiveness in the NHL.