Edmonton Oilers trade with San Jose Sharks looks like a total fleece

Ty Emberson has begun to fit in perfectly with the team, and now is reportedly close to an extension with the Oilers on a multi-year contract.

The Oilers took a significant risk by dumping a veteran defenceman like Ceci in the middle of their win-now window for an unproven 24 year old like Emberson, but the risk has paid off.

Not only did the Oilers shed Ceci's $3.25M salary for Emberson's $950K, the younger defender has produced far better results this season.

Emberson is producing fantastic defensive analytics with the Oilers this season, while Cody Ceci is ranking in the worst 1% of NHL defenders at defence.

Earlier this season, Cody Ceci stood alone as arguably the worst defenceman in the NHL- giving up the most high danger chances against while being on the ice for the least amount.

According to MoneyPuck now, Ceci's defence pairing with Thrun ranks as the worst in the NHL (200 minutes minimum) with only a 31.3 expected goal percentage.

In playoffs past, Cody Ceci has often been part of a weak Oilers blue line on a pair with Darnell Nurse. Actually in Ceci's absence, Nurse has looked even better too.

The Oilers may have gotten better simply through subtraction, but adding a promising young defender in Emberson for years to come makes this trade an absolute steal for the Oilers. Halfway through the season now, it looks like the Oilers robbed San Jose in this trade.