Personally, I think AA is an overpay. Hard pass on Ceci IMO.

Also, I think the tag “legitimate top 4 defender” is a stretch. On a really good team, he’s likely a bottom pairing guy.
- Ogilthorpe2

Agreed, if AA needs to go I think it will be for picks, likely mid-round.

I think you fail to realize exactly how poop Ceci is

I don't follow the Sens but the times I have seen them play I never thought of Ceci as slow, in fact I thought he had decent wheels. I can't speak to his overall play and positioning but I didn't think his skating ability was a weakness?
- paulr

He's definitely slow. He's always laying down too. Constantly out of position and having to dive around to try stop a play. Murphy is way better than him and I think Murphy is an ok 3rd pair guy. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't try acquire him.

Cody Cece might bit too old for this group. I think they should target UFA or trade for "young veterans" .... about 26 to 29 years old, so they can maybe be the "older guys" once the young defensemen are ready to join the big club and Keith and Seabrook are done or just about. You don't want to break the bank too much, since there are other holes to fill as well. Remember, to address the depth issue, Hawks need some good new players to fit the program, and spending too much on one, might not leave with enough for others. Ben Chariot fits the age and salary description well
- chuckdahammer

Not sure what you're driving at, Ceci is 25 y.o..

Regardless of the age, it sounds like Ceci isn't all that great and is interesting due to name recognition on a team that doesn't have too many star players. He may be a a top 4 d-man on the Sens (or the Hawks for that matter) but would he be a top 4 on any other team?

We're talking about d-men from the teams that ranked 30 and 31 in goals allowed this past season. I'd find another means of upgrading the Hawk defense.

Versteeg ,Kane, and now maybe Madden,The band IS back together,When’s the first trip to Vancouver?!

Ceci makes Seabrook look like Drew Doughty by comparison. He is so slow and always out of position. Ask Senators fans what they think of him.
- GPHawksfan

I don’t care for Ceci, if anything I’d look for a trade for an older #4 Dman with with maybe two years of term at a reasonable cap hit. Basically a decent place holder, has to someone like that out there.

Who would be better for the blueline if you had to pick one: Koekkoek or Ceci? Both are former 1st rounders with decent potential but flaws as well. Ceci of course has the higher salary so that’s a factor.

Trading Murphy weaken the defense next year IMO. The guy can play either side. He appears to be coming into his own, and he is one of the few Hawks that actually plays physical. I would rather have Murphy than Ceci as well. Paid less, plus more physical!!
- ChicagoHope

This.

I, for one, am very happy to jump on the Madden for assistant coach bandwagon!!
- 35Tony0

Madden can also help on Limo bookings

You should read what Trevor Schackles has to say about Cody Ceci. Saad for Ceci would be a steal for Ottawa. As a matter of fact why would you trade Saad?
- contracom

Saad's game is built for playoff hockey

Well looks like most are in agreement no Ceci
Just going by what I read that's a good thing.
If Bowman gave up Saad for him it would be huge loss for Hawks.
TC agree with what you said about the playoffs . The Hawks IMO need two big aggressive forwards and I wouldnt mid a defenceman could play like that too.

Not sure what you're driving at, Ceci is 25 y.o..

Regardless of the age, it sounds like Ceci isn't all that great and is interesting due to name recognition on a team that doesn't have too many star players. He may be a a top 4 d-man on the Sens (or the Hawks for that matter) but would he be a top 4 on any other team?

We're talking about d-men from the teams that ranked 30 and 31 in goals allowed this past season. I'd find another means of upgrading the Hawk defense.
- Rota's Rooter

MY MISTAKE. I thought Ceci was over thirty. He fits the age group but don't think he is worth five million range

Is TC desperate to get Saad outta town or what? Seems to be the major piece he proposes be shipped in every scenario.
- Ogilthorpe2

Especially since Bowman traded Panarin specifically for the next 2 seasons of Saad. No way Saad is on the move. Bowman needs the next 2 seasons of a productive Saad to say “I told you so”

Is TC desperate to get Saad outta town or what? Seems to be the major piece he proposes be shipped in every scenario.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ha. I am not.

I actually like Saad.

What I am doing is trying to be realistic. I don't think Gustav Forsling and a pick gets you a top 4 defenceman... which Cody Ceci was last year.

You have to give to get.

Ha. I am not.

I actually like Saad.

What I am doing is trying to be realistic. I don't think Gustav Forsling and a pick gets you a top 4 defenceman... which Cody Ceci was last year.

You have to give to get.
- Tyler Cameron

I think Stan goes short-term to plug the hole(s) on defense.

Barring a complete overhaul I would expect Keith, Murphy, Jokiharju, Seabrook and Gustafsson to start the season. If the Hawks draft Byram he could make the team too (although they should be drafting Caufield).

Dahlstom, Forsling and Koekkoek could each be a good #7 but I would only want one of them on the roster.

Hakkarainen and Soderlund signed their 3 year ELCs.

https://www.nhl.com/black...ee-year-deals/c-307238100

Ha. I am not.

I actually like Saad.

What I am doing is trying to be realistic. I don't think Gustav Forsling and a pick gets you a top 4 defenceman... which Cody Ceci was last year.

You have to give to get.
- Tyler Cameron

Part of the equation is how long do you need said top four Dman, considering Dmen in your pipeline.

Hakkarainen and Soderlund signed their 3 year ELCs.

https://www.nhl.com/black...ee-year-deals/c-307238100
- Larmer

Nice, thanks for posting.

I'm not putting any expectations on Soderlund, but I am interested to see what he can do in North America.

Part of the equation is how long do you need said top four Dman, considering Dmen in your pipeline.
- walleyeb1

I think Stan goes the free agent route to buy himself a couple years. Maybe Edler on a 3 year deal or a Euro free agent.

Hakkarainen and Soderlund signed their 3 year ELCs.

https://www.nhl.com/black...ee-year-deals/c-307238100
- Larmer

Great to hear. Was hoping at least Soderlund would sign an ELC and start his pro career on North American ice to get that experience. He's short but compact, fearless, and relentless. Doesn't shy from the high traffic areas. Good potential as a bottom 6 winger. His style of play is built for playoff hockey.

Hakkarainen could be in line as the next 4C after Kampf. Growing list of options behind L Johnson, R Johnson, and Highmore. Guessing Hakkarainen plays another year in juniors but he has a nice balance of offense with a solid 200 foot game. He doesn't slack on defense. Maybe the most skilled out of the 4C options in the system.

Great to hear. Was hoping at least Soderlund would sign an ELC and start his pro career on North American ice to get that experience. He's short but compact, fearless, and relentless. Doesn't shy from the high traffic areas. Good potential as a bottom 6 winger. His style of play is built for playoff hockey.

Hakkarainen could be in line as the next 4C after Kampf. Growing list of options behind L Johnson, R Johnson, and Highmore. Guessing Hakkarainen plays another year in juniors but he has a nice balance of offense with a solid 200 foot game. He doesn't slack on defense. Maybe the most skilled out of the 4C options in the system.
- AEL_Fox

Nice to see those guys sign on, even if they don't have those high ceilings or expectations, we need the depth in the system for forwards at the pro level.

Great to hear. Was hoping at least Soderlund would sign an ELC and start his pro career on North American ice to get that experience. He's short but compact, fearless, and relentless. Doesn't shy from the high traffic areas. Good potential as a bottom 6 winger. His style of play is built for playoff hockey.

Hakkarainen could be in line as the next 4C after Kampf. Growing list of options behind L Johnson, R Johnson, and Highmore. Guessing Hakkarainen plays another year in juniors but he has a nice balance of offense with a solid 200 foot game. He doesn't slack on defense. Maybe the most skilled out of the 4C options in the system.
- AEL_Fox

I'm not so familiar with the USHL, after a player signs a Pro contract can they return?

I think Stan goes the free agent route to buy himself a couple years. Maybe Edler on a 3 year deal or a Euro free agent.
- DarthKane

Agree. No long term deals or even elite defenders. Experienced veterans who can log lots of minutes and play steady defense.

I like your list from earlier, i.e. Stralman, Edler, Nemeth. I'd also add a guy like Benn. Aim for 2-3 years at affordable AAV or move on to other options.

I like Chiarot as well but he's in his late 20's still with decent potential to play 2nd pair so I can see him wanting a longer term deal for at least $4M and possibly $5M+.

I'm not so familiar with the USHL, after a player signs a Pro contract can they return?
- DarthKane

Not sure either. Also not sure if the USHL is technically juniors. To me, juniors is generally anything that's not high school or college level in North America but could be wrong on that.

I think Stan goes the free agent route to buy himself a couple years. Maybe Edler on a 3 year deal or a Euro free agent.
- DarthKane

I can see that as a possibility, on the other hand there are some teams that will be under cap pressure, that may be worth exploring as well.