The Edmonton Oilers have some work to do this summer because limited cap space won’t allow them to go into next season with the same team. They’re also in a winning position now, which is another reason they need to make some moves. One of the issues that must be addressed is Cody Sissy. He had a disappointing post-season playing alongside Darnell Nurse, and that couldn’t continue.
While that coupling was suffering, Brett Kulak, another potential trade candidate on the backend, passed Sissy. Colak makes less money and can play both sides, but he also hasn’t been pushed into a role he can’t handle like Sissy. Therefore, the Oilers should move Ceci to either free up significant space to sign some of their players or bring in someone new for that spot in the lineup.
Two potential free agent targets are Radko Gudas and Luke Schenn. They are both very physical, much more than Ceci, and capable of playing in the second pair although they have mostly played less in the line-up this season. Both would benefit the Oilers as a better fit on the nurse’s side.
Why Gudas or Chenn over these?
The way the Oilers defense is organized, their two best all-around defensemen are on the left side, which created a problem on the right. While Nurse gets paid like a top defenseman and was used by head coach Jay Woodcroft in the top pair with Ceci, it was just too much for him at times.
Latest news and highlights
Going forward, the Oilers defense should have two uppercourt pairs splitting the time evenly, with Nurse on one and Matthias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard on the other. While this should help smooth things out and not expose the nurse’s partner, a better solution would be to have a nurse and hopefully Gudas or Schenn on the second pair.
Shane
both of them Expect to sign up for a fair price In Free Agency by Daily Faceoff. While Gudas should get close to what Ceci makes, Schenn should probably sign off on half of that. In terms of cap space, Mzitari has to push for Shane, as he can do the same job as Ceci or better. The two finished with a similar number of blocked shots, while Shinn averaged three fewer minutes per game. But what really sets them apart is the stroke count. Schenn had three times as many as Ceci.
Schenn is a little older, and the Oilers may demand more from him than they have asked of him in his entire career. Although he was up to the task with the Vancouver Canucks, the same problem the Oilers have with Ceci could arise with Schenn if he was asked to play at a higher level in the lineup. However, Edmonton will get a penalty kick, a two-time Stanley Cup-winning leader, and a cheap replacement.
God
Understandably, it cost Judas more than Shin, as he’s playing more of an influence game. You know when he’s on the ice because he’s throwing a Big hit or around the body. It is slightly smaller, will block more shots, and score more minutes. The reason his ice time was limited with the Florida Panthers is because he was behind Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour on the right side, who are very good defensemen. Gudas can play a bigger role in the Oilers and has a defensive mindset, which is something the team needs.
Related: Oilers: 3 Possible Business Destinations for Cody Ceci
In essence, Ceci and Nurse just didn’t work out, and Ceci was given too much responsibility instead of playing a role where he thrives. General Manager Ken Holland needs to change what hasn’t worked to achieve better results next season. Even if Ceci doesn’t get a huge return in the trade, the main goal is to get him moving and find a better partner for Nurse, and Gudas and Schenn are two of the best options out there this summer.