Oilers Rumors: Cody Ceci Becoming "Cost-Cutting" Trade Candidate

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Cody Ceci is emerging as a prime "cost-cutting" trade candidate for the Edmonton Oilers as they navigate their salary cap challenges, according to insider Frank Seravalli. 

The Oilers are currently over the NHL’s $88 million hard salary cap, with restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg yet to sign. 

Ceci, a 30-year-old defenseman in the final year of his $3.25 million per year deal, has drawn significant interest from other teams. The demand for right-shot defensemen at his cap hit makes him a valuable asset the Oilers could move to alleviate their cap crunch.

“I can tell you with 100% certainty that there is a market for Cody Ceci” @frank_seravalli

— Adhi (@OilerAlert) July 9, 2024

This past season, he recorded five goals, 25 total points, a +12 plus/minus rating, 106 blocked shots, and 91 hits across 79 games played.

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal highlighted Ceci's improved performance in the playoffs compared to the regular season, which could enhance his trade value. 

Despite some Oilers fans favoring Evander Kane as the trade candidate due to his $5.125 million cap hit and injury status, his contract complexities and no-movement clause make a trade unlikely. 

Cody Ceci is such a veteran of the game what a pass, what a finish. Just took my shirt off pic.twitter.com/S49Dlkd1dj

— Heatdaddy (@heatdaddy69420) June 25, 2024

If Kane ends up on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) but returns before the end of the 2024-25 season, the Oilers might have to consider trading Ceci or another player before the trade deadline to manage their salary cap effectively. 

Over his three seasons with Edmonton, Ceci has put up 11 goals, 68 total points, a +31 plus/minus rating, 347 hits, and 337 blocked shots across 237 games played.

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports