3 teams the Oilers should call regarding Cody Ceci at the trade deadline

The Edmonton Oilers haven’t won a Stanley Cup in nearly three-and-a-half decades, and they would love to see that trend change sooner rather than later. Despite numerous pitfalls early, Edmonton is raring for another playoff run, so the upcoming trade deadline allows them to become strong buyers. 

But there is just one major problem in Edmonton: They don’t have a lot of cap space to make a splash. Someone has to go, and it could come in the form of a solid but unspectacular contributor. Of the potential cast-offs, Cody Ceci is the likeliest of the group to finish the 2023-24 season elsewhere. 

There are a few reasons behind this, the first being that he would be the easiest player to move and create ample cap space. Ceci will make $3.5 million next season, and this year, he is making $4.5 million, so by trading him elsewhere, the Oilers can align themselves for a blockbuster deal. 

Codi Ceci makes a lot of sense to move at the trade deadline

While Ceci brings value to the Oilers, he’s also not a game-changer, and he would be easy to trade. There are no clauses or a long-term commitment to his deal, so it’s not like he’s a shoo-in to fit into Edmonton’s long-term plans. 

The Oilers could do one of two things with Ceci: Either include him in a blockbuster that would bring a big-name player to Alberta, or throw his contract onto another organization, then make the big trade. There are no wrong answers here, so regardless of what Edmonton does should they trade Ceci, expect them to be an overall better hockey team for most of March and April. 

While quite a few teams could use Ceci, there are three that would find immense value in him whether it’s to contend for the playoffs this year, or just to add a veteran voice to a young team.