The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to strengthen their blue line this offseason.
PuckPedia, a site that allows users to predict trades and signings, has one user forecasting that the Maple Leafs will sign veteran defenseman Cody Ceci to a five-year, $15 million contract.
Ceci, currently in the final season of a four-year, $13 million deal, would be a solid addition to Toronto’s third defensive pairing. While a five-year commitment seems lengthy, the $3 million annual cap hit could make the deal appealing.
Ceci previously played for the Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season with mixed results. However, since leaving Toronto, he has developed into a reliable defenseman and currently holds a shutdown role with the Dallas Stars.
At 31, Ceci is playing alongside Esa Lindell on Dallas’ second pairing after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks. This season, he has recorded four goals and 18 assists for 22 points in 76 games.
Where Would Ceci Fit in Toronto?
If Ceci returns to the Maple Leafs, he would likely slot into the third pairing.
Toronto already has Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jake McCabe under contract for next season, leaving just one available spot on the blue line. Adding a veteran like Ceci would be a logical move.
The Maple Leafs also have Simon Benoit and Philippe Myers under contract, but both have been inconsistent. Their contracts are manageable, making them candidates for the seventh defenseman role or potential trade pieces.
Toronto has prioritized defensive upgrades in recent years. Last offseason, they signed Ekman-Larsson and Tanev, then traded for Carlo at the deadline.
“I just wanted to make sure that we had that type of profile and try to spread those (defense) minutes a bit more,” general manager Brad Treliving said on March 7 about acquiring Carlo. “He’s big. He’s long. Great stick. He defends the blue paint really well. Excellent on the penalty kill. Tremendous character.”
Despite these additions, the Maple Leafs may still seek another defenseman this summer.
Toronto’s Focus Remains on Winning the Division
Before addressing offseason moves, the Maple Leafs are focused on closing out the regular season strong and securing the Atlantic Division title.
Toronto currently leads the division, and winning it is a priority.
“It’s no secret what’s going on in the standings right now. All these points matter,” forward Steven Lorentz said. “We’ve got three big games coming up against teams in the mix with us, and those are crucial matchups.”
With just eight games remaining, head coach Craig Berube wants his team to adopt a playoff mindset.
“We stress it a lot,” Berube said. “I still think we can do a better job of it. In playoffs, and to win tight games, you need the willingness to block shots.”
The Maple Leafs hold a 45-25-4 record, sitting three points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning for second place in the division.
