Oilers' Offseason Moves: Trading Ceci Could Be the Key to Cap Compliance
As the Edmonton Oilers strategize for the upcoming NHL season, they face the challenge of managing their salary cap, which might necessitate another trade.
Despite this looming decision, the team might not need to seek a replacement player, signaling a potentially smoother transition than expected.
Cody Ceci, the defenseman currently in the spotlight, appears to be the primary candidate for a trade. In the final stretch of his contract with a cap hit of $3.25 million, moving Ceci could provide the necessary financial relief for the Oilers to secure deals with their remaining free agents, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. The rationale behind targeting Ceci for a trade stems from the Oilers' capacity to replace him seamlessly within their ranks.
Though Ceci has held a top-four defensive position, his performance suggests he aligns more closely with a sixth defenseman on a championship-contending team. This assessment is backed by the Oilers' recent signings aimed at bolstering their defensive depth�namely Troy Stecher and Connor Carrick, both of whom are on value contracts and could readily fill the void left by Ceci.
This sentiment underscores the strategic depth moves made by the Oilers, positioning them to adapt without significant disruption.
Troy Stecher, despite a setback last season due to an ankle injury requiring surgery, has a solid track record. With 494 NHL games and experience with six different teams, Stecher's resilience and competence as a defenseman are well-established. His brief stint of seven games with the Oilers last season was cut short, but he's positioned as a promising internal replacement for Ceci.
Looking forward, the Oilers may also consider enhancing their defensive lineup at next year's trade deadline. The availability of quality players with manageable salary cap implications could provide further opportunities to strengthen their squad. This proactive approach could be crucial, especially considering the playoff struggles experienced by key players like Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci last season.
As the Oilers navigate these changes, their decisions in the offseason could very well set the stage for a more robust defense and a successful run in the upcoming NHL season.
| POLL | ||
Do you believe the Oilers will sign a new defenseman before the upcoming campaign begins? | ||
| Yes, they'll get another defenceman | 63 | 55.8 % |
| No, they won't add another defenceman | 32 | 28.3 % |
| They'll do it at the trade deadline | 18 | 15.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
