NHL Insider Says Edmonton Will 100% Target a Former Oiler Defenceman in Trade

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Liam McCormick
November 17, 2024 (8:12 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers just parted ways with Cody Ceci this offseason, but NHL analyst and former assistant GM Mike Futa believes the former Oiler could make a return.

The team's biggest need in trade this season will be a top four defenceman to play alongside Darnell Nurse, and Mike Futa believes the Oilers could circle back to a proven option in Ceci.

On a recent segment for Sportsnet's Fan 590 Radio Station, Futa laid his case for Ceci returning to Edmonton.

»For them to get to where they want to be, they're going to have to sort out the back end. And that's going to involve additions, or addition, for sure. We were talking yesterday, I 100% see the return of Ceci.»
- Mike Futa

Cody Ceci was a major piece of the Oilers penalty kill last season, which had an incredible run of success in the playoffs. He also has clear familiarity with the Oilers system and teammates, an asset that no other player does.

The biggest obstacle in trading for Cody Ceci this year would be getting the money to fit. Ceci is under contract for $3.25M, and San Jose can't retain money on another traded contract - Edmonton would have to involve a third team, or take the full salary.

There's another obstacle with trading for Cody Ceci too - it's the fact that it'd be hard to stomach not making a bigger upgrade on the blue line.

Ceci and Nurse struggled mightily at even strength in the playoffs, and that's the exact scenario that the Oilers need to improve upon this year. They should aim their sights higher for a much more impactful player than Ceci.

Unfortunately, the available trade targets at the moment aren't too exciting. The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to several defenders expected to be traded this year, but none feel like the home-run type of fit that the Oilers need.

With Darnell Nurse out for some time after sustaining an injury from Ryan Reaves' hit last night, the spotlight will be even brighter on the Oilers blueline, and the need for an upgrade.

Hopefully Edmonton is able to scout out the defender that they believe will be the best addition this season, and are able to acquire him at a manageable cost. If management could bolster the goaltending position too, that may be a plus.