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. 

The Red Wings could use a veteran like Cody Ceci to improve their defense

Blockbuster deals are Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman’s style, and someone like Cody Ceci doesn’t quite fit that style. But it doesn’t mean Yzerman wouldn’t be open to the idea if a player like Ceci improves Detroit defensively. 

While the Red Wings can score on anyone, they have a tough time stopping opponents, and Ceci would help them in that regard. As a group, the Red Wings are allowing a mind-boggling 32.2 shots on goal per game, and that’s an avenue where Ceci can help them out. He’s logged triple-digits in blocked shots over the past two seasons, and he is also on pace to do the same this year. 

Overall, Ceci is averaging 1.45 blocks per game, so if you do the math, his presence in Detroit will take their current shots on goal allowed per game to 30.75 should he continue at the same pace. This is still higher than the overall number needed for Detroit to be more successful defensively, but it’s a much-needed step in the right direction. 

Ceci’s contract would also fit easily into Detroit’s budget, and since the Red Wings wouldn’t mind making multiple playoff runs, the additional year on his contract should serve as an added bonus. 

The Sabres would be a great trading partner should the Oilers push for Casey Mittelstadt

It might be smarter for the Sabres to keep Casey Mittelstadt, but if the Oilers make a strong offer involving a veteran defenseman and other assets, they will listen. Although the Sabres are a more physical and overall better defensive team in 2023-24 than they were last season, they still haven’t done enough, and Ceci would also give them that presence for the remainder of this season and next year. 

While Ceci is not as physical as he’s been in the past, he’s still a hitter who can play top-four minutes. He also loves to get in front of would-be shots on goal. Ceci has 77 blocks this season, and once again, the Oilers goaltenders are benefiting from his on-ice presence. 

Sabres netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has taken a massive step forward in his own development, but at times, poor defense still means the occasional pedestrian game for the 24-year-old. If someone like Ceci, whose on-ice save percentage is 92.0 at even strength and at 5-on-5, respectively, lands in Buffalo, expect Luukkonen’s numbers to improve even more. 

Buffalo’s penalty kill has been excellent, albeit inconsistent in 2023-24, and Ceci’s presence shorthanded is another plus for the Blue and Gold. He may be an older player, but Ceci would nonetheless bring some value to Buffalo in many areas of the game.