The Toronto Maple Leafs have made defense a priority this offseason, and a new trade proposal suggests they could bolster their blue line by re-acquiring defenseman Cody Ceci from the Edmonton Oilers. The deal, suggested by a user on PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, would see Ceci return to Toronto in a multi-player exchange aimed at benefiting both teams.
The Proposed Trade:
In this hypothetical trade, the Maple Leafs would receive:
– Cody Ceci
– Beau Akey
In return, the Edmonton Oilers would acquire:
– Alex Steeves
Why the Trade Makes Sense for Toronto
Cody Ceci, who is entering the final year of a four-year, $15 million contract, is no stranger to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played one season with the team in 2019-20, where he skated in 56 games, tallying 1 goal and 7 assists. While his time in Toronto was marred by an ankle injury that limited his effectiveness, Ceci has since found more stability with the Edmonton Oilers. Re-acquiring Ceci would add depth to Toronto’s defense, particularly as the Maple Leafs continue to focus on shoring up their blue line.
In addition to Ceci, the Maple Leafs would also acquire Beau Akey, one of Edmonton’s top defensive prospects. Akey, a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is a promising young talent. Last season, he played in 14 games in the OHL, recording 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points. For Toronto, adding Akey could provide future defensive stability, making this trade appealing not just for the immediate impact but also for long-term planning.
Edmonton’s Motivation: Clearing Cap Space
For the Oilers, this trade is driven by a pressing need to clear cap space. Following the St. Louis Blues’ offer sheeting of Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, Edmonton finds itself in a financial bind. The Oilers are currently over the salary cap, and according to PuckPedia, they need to create room to match the offer sheets for their young stars.
Ceci’s $3.25 million cap hit, along with that of fellow defenseman Brett Kulak, has made them prime candidates for trades. As reported by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen, league executives have indicated that Edmonton is actively trying to move these contracts. However, teams interested in taking on these deals are likely to demand additional compensation, potentially a first- or second-round pick, knowing that the Oilers are in a tough spot.
By moving Ceci’s contract in this proposed deal, Edmonton would gain some much-needed financial flexibility. The Oilers would also acquire Alex Steeves, an RFA forward who has been a fringe NHL player so far in his career. While Steeves may not be a game-changer, the primary goal for Edmonton in this trade would be to clear cap space and ensure they can retain Broberg and Holloway.
Ceci’s History with the Maple Leafs
Cody Ceci first joined the Maple Leafs on July 1, 2019, in a trade with the Ottawa Senators. The deal brought Ceci, along with Ben Harpur, Aaron Luchuk, and a 2020 third-round pick, to Toronto in exchange for Nikita Zaitsev, Connor Brown, and Michael Carcone. After the trade, Ceci signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Maple Leafs.
However, Ceci’s stint in Toronto was brief and challenging. An ankle injury in February sidelined him for a month, and his overall performance was underwhelming, with just 8 points in 56 regular-season games. In the playoffs, Ceci appeared in five games, recording one goal before Toronto was eliminated. Following the season, Ceci left the Maple Leafs and signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, eventually making his way to the Oilers.
Looking Ahead
The proposed trade involving Cody Ceci is just one of many potential moves the Maple Leafs could consider as they continue to build a championship-caliber defense. While Ceci’s first tenure in Toronto was less than ideal, a return could offer both the player and the team a fresh start. For the Oilers, the trade would provide crucial cap relief, allowing them to secure their young talent and prepare for the upcoming season.
As the NHL offseason continues, the trade rumor mill will undoubtedly keep spinning, with both the Maple Leafs and Oilers making moves that could shape their rosters for the future. Whether this proposed deal comes to fruition or not, it highlights the ongoing chess match of NHL general management, where every move is calculated and every dollar counts.
