Oilers ship Ceci to Sharks for Emberson

*Photo from The Hockey News*

   The San Jose Sharks have acquired D Cody Ceci and a 2025 3rd round pick from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for D Ty Emberson, according to announcements by both teams.

   Needing to clear up cap space, the Oilers sent Ceci and his $3.25 million salary for the coming season to the Sharks and get a defenseman who can take Ceci's spot on the blueline in return. Having lost Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to the St. Louis Blues via offer sheets and now trading Ceci, the Oilers now are under the cap ceiling.

   Last season was Ceci's 3rd year in Edmonton and his second season of over 20 points with the Oilers. He notched 5 goals and 20 assists for 25 points, averaging 20 minutes of ice time per game to go with a +12 rating in 79 games. He added two goals and 3 assists in 24 playoff games.

   The right shot defenseman can eat minutes on the ice, though his actual production in those minutes has largely been subpar. Having spent most of his time on the Oilers second defense pairing, he was bumped down to the 3rd pair in the playoffs as Broberg played the right side on the second pair.

   San Jose GM Mike Grier said of Ceci in a statement "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."

   In return, the Oilers get Emberson, who plays well in his own zone and can replace Ceci on the 3rd defense pairing at a much cheaper $950,000 cap hit for the coming season. Emberson can become a UFA if he plays 49 or fewer NHL games in 2024-2025. If he plays at least 50 games, he'll be an RFA.

   Emberson, who was drafted in 2018, is coming off his first season of NHL experience. He scored one goal and added 9 assists for 10 points, notching a -4 rating while averaging 18:33 of ice time per game in 30 games for the Sharks.

   Following the trade, the Oilers have Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, and Brett Kulak locked in for everyday roles on the blueline, with Emberson, Troy Stecher, Josh Brown, and Philip Kemp also in the mix for playing time entering training camp.