3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers could regret trading Cody Ceci 

By Evan Bell

Modified Aug 23, 2024 14:53 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers parted ways with defenseman Cody Ceci, marking the latest off-season transaction for the franchise ahead of the 2024–25 NHL season. After coming up short in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Oilers entered this offseason knowing that they would retain most of their forward group; however, several moves have impacted the defensive lines this summer.

Earlier in August, the team also notably lost defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway to St. Louis after declining to match the two-year offers both players signed with the Blues.

With the loss of Broberg and Ceci, Edmonton could wind up regretting their decision to let two defensemen with playoff experience go over the past few weeks. At the same time, given Ceci's experience at the NHL level and in the playoffs, there's a good chance they struggle to replicate next season.

3 reasons why the Edmonton Oilers could regret trading Cody Ceci

#1. Playoff experience

Over the past three seasons, Cody Ceci has played notable minutes in the postseason, appearing in 16 games for Edmonton during the 2021–22 postseason, 12 games during the 2022–23 postseason, and 24 games during last year's postseason.

On the flip side, Ty Emberson hasn't played a single NHL postseason game. While he's expected to play on the team's third line, if one of their top-four defensemen with playoff experience goes down, there isn't much room for coach Kris Knoblauch to work.

#2. Another outgoing defenseman

While the Edmonton Oilers retained much of their forward unit, the team's defensive lines have seen substantial changes this offseason. For a team noted for its attack, losing numerous defensemen might be troublesome not only in the playoffs but also in general.

Ty Emberson has only played 30 NHL games in his short career. While there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about his development, the team is currently in win-now mode.

#3. No draft picks in return

The Edmonton Oilers are already strapped for picks in the 2025 NHL draft. Currently, the team has no first-round picks, no fourth-round picks, and no fifth-round picks. This leaves Edmonton with a single pick in both the second and third rounds, as well as the sixth and seventh rounds.

Considering that, one would think that the team would want to receive draft compensation in some capacity. Instead, however, the team parted ways with a 2025 third-round pick as well, further putting them in a compromising situation heading into next summer.