Rumblings of new trade between Oilers and Penguins

In recent weeks, trade chatter has linked the Edmonton Oilers to the Pittsburgh Penguins in speculation that sent star forward Jake Guentzel to Canada. The Oilers have reportedly been interested in Guentzel, though his high asking price might be too much to spend to get a top winger next to Leon Draisaitl.

However, a new rumour has emerged with just one week to the March 8 trade deadline, but this time, it is sending one Oiler to Pittsburgh. According to Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the Oilers could be shopping for an upgrade on the right side of their blue line, which could push one of their defenseman on the trade block. Kingerski believes the Penguins would be interested:

“If they make Cody Ceci available, I know one team that should be on the phone…”

Ceci spent the 2020-21 season with the Penguins before signing as a free agen in Edmonton. He also played under Kyle Dubas with the Toronto Maple Leafs and could be a familiar face and safe bet Pittsburgh goes after as they fight to stay alive in the playoff race.

In 57 games this season in Edmonton, Ceci has recorded a goal and 17 points, along with a +8 rating.

He still has a full year left on his four-year contract he signed with the Oilers in 2021. He will make $3.5 million next season, and this year, he is making $4.5 million. There are no clauses or a long-term commitment to his deal, which definitely facilitates a trade.

By moving Ceci, the Oilers would free up some cap space and possibly have the room to make a significant trade prior to the deadline next Friday.

Some pundits even wonder if Ceci could be part of a huge package involved in a trade that would bring Guentzel to Edmonton, though it was reported earlier this week that the Penguins are seeking a package of multiple first-round picks (or a first-round pick and equivalent in top prospects or roster players) in order to pull the trigger.

Earlier this week, defenseman Chris Tanev came off the trade board when the Calgary Flames moved him in a three-team deal that landed him with the Dallas Stars.

If Ceci becomes available in order to get the Oilers the breathing room they need to get that boost up front, it is likely that not only the Penguins will have interest in acquiring his services.

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