Cody Ceci Traded to Sharks by Oilers: A Deep Dive into the Latest NHL Moves
In a surprising twist, Cody Ceci, a seasoned defenseman, has been traded by the Edmonton Oilers to the San Jose Sharks. This move,
which also saw the Oilers send a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to San Jose, marks a significant shift in the team’s lineup. In return, Edmonton received defenseman Ty Emberson,
a younger, up-and-coming player. Let’s break down what this trade means for both teams and how it could impact the future of the NHL.
Cody Ceci’s Journey: From Ottawa to San Jose
Cody Ceci has had a storied career in the NHL. The 30-year-old defenseman was originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators as the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. Over the years,
he’s played for several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and most recently,
the Edmonton Oilers. With 211 points (48 goals, 163 assists) in 786 regular-season games and an additional 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 88 playoff games,
Ceci has established himself as a reliable and experienced player on the ice.
Last season, Ceci contributed 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 79 regular-season games and played a crucial role in the Oilers’ deep playoff run, where they ultimately fell just short of the Stanley Cup,
losing to the Florida Panthers in a grueling seven-game series.
With one season remaining on his four-year, $13 million contract, Ceci’s move to San Jose signals a new chapter in his career.
San Jose Sharks’ Perspective: Building with Experience
For the San Jose Sharks, acquiring Cody Ceci is a strategic move.
Sharks general manager Mike Grier expressed his excitement about bringing in a veteran player like Ceci, stating,
“Cody is a solid, competitive veteran defenseman who brings a well-rounded skill set to our group.
He’s a strong penalty killer who can also contribute offensively, and he brings extensive playoff experience.
We’re excited to have him join our organization.”
The Sharks are clearly looking to bolster their defense with a player who not only has regular-season experience but also knows what it takes to compete in the playoffs.
Ceci’s ability to kill penalties and contribute offensively will be valuable assets for San Jose as they look to improve their standings in the upcoming season.
Ty Emberson: A New Face in Edmonton
On the other side of the trade, the Edmonton Oilers have acquired Ty Emberson, a 24-year-old defenseman with potential.
Emberson had a modest rookie season with the Sharks, recording 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 30 games. Despite his limited NHL experience,
Emberson has shown promise and could develop into a key player for the Oilers.
Emberson was originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes as the 73rd overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.
After signing a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Sharks earlier this summer,
Emberson now finds himself with a new opportunity in Edmonton. The Oilers’ decision to bring in a younger,
less expensive player like Emberson suggests that they are looking to manage their salary cap while still maintaining depth on their roster.
Edmonton’s Salary Cap Shuffle: The Bigger Picture
The trade involving Cody Ceci is just one piece of a larger puzzle for the Edmonton Oilers. Earlier in the day, the Oilers made another move,
acquiring forward Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The 23-year-old Podkolzin, who had two assists in 19 NHL games last season, is seen as a player with potential upside.
These moves by the Oilers are likely influenced by the team’s need to manage its salary cap situation. With offer sheets tendered by the St.
Louis Blues to restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway,
Edmonton is under pressure to clear cap space to retain these young talents.
The offer sheets include a two-year contract for Broberg at $4.58 million per year and a two-year contract for Holloway at $2.29 million per year.
By trading Ceci, who has a $3.25 million cap hit, and bringing in Emberson,
who is signed for $950,000, the Oilers have freed up some much-needed cap space.
This could be crucial in allowing them to match the offer sheets for Broberg and Holloway or to make other strategic moves before the season begins.
Vasily Podkolzin: A New Addition to the Oilers’ Roster
The acquisition of Vasily Podkolzin adds another layer to the Oilers’ strategy.
Podkolzin, selected 10th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2019 NHL Draft, has had a promising start to his career. While he only recorded two assists in 19 NHL games last season,
he made a significant impact in the American Hockey League (AHL), scoring 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) in 44 games with the Abbotsford Canucks.
Podkolzin also gained valuable playoff experience, playing in two Stanley Cup Playoff games for Vancouver. As he enters the first season of a two-year contract with the Oilers,
Podkolzin will have the opportunity to prove himself and potentially secure a more permanent role in Edmonton’s lineup.
Offer Sheet Implications: What’s Next for the Oilers?
The Oilers’ decision to trade Ceci and acquire Podkolzin could indicate their approach to the offer sheets for Broberg and Holloway. With the deadline to match the Blues’ offers fast approaching,
Edmonton’s front office will need to carefully weigh their options.
The moves they’ve made so far suggest that they are looking to retain as much of their young talent as possible while navigating the complexities of the NHL’s salary cap.
One possible scenario could involve placing forward Evander Kane on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to create additional cap space.
This would allow the Oilers to match the offer sheets for both Broberg and Holloway, keeping their young core intact while adding depth with players like Podkolzin and Emberson.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect from the Oilers and Sharks
As the NHL offseason continues, both the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks will be closely watch by fans and analysts alike. For the Oilers,
the focus will be on how they manage their roster and cap space leading up to the start of the season.
Will they be able to retain Broberg and Holloway? How will their new acquisitions, like Podkolzin and Emberson, fit into the team?
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks will be looking to integrate Cody Ceci into their lineup and see how his veteran presence impacts their defense. With Ceci’s experience and skill set,
the Sharks could see improvements in their defensive performance, particularly in penalty-killing situations.
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Conclusion: A Strategic Play by Both Teams
In the world of professional hockey, trades like the one involving Cody Ceci and Ty Emberson are more than just roster changes—they’re strategic plays that can shape the future of a team.
For the Oilers, clearing cap space and bringing in younger talent like Emberson is a calculated move that could pay off in the long run. For the Sharks,
adding a seasoned defenseman like Ceci is a step toward solidifying their defense and bringing playoff experience to their roster.
As the new season approaches, it will be interesting to see how these moves unfold and what impact they have on both teams’ performances. One thing is certain: the NHL offseason is never short on excitement,
and this trade is just one of many moves that will keep fans talking until the puck drops.
