November 30, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, United States; Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane (88) battles Edmonton Oilers defenseman Cody Ceci (5) for control of the puck in the third period at the United Center. Edmonton defeated Chicago 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Scott Powers of Atletico: The Chicago Blackhawks have some extra cap space to use to their advantage, to acquire some additional assets from teams looking to clear some cap space. Potential targets include:
Conor Garland – Vancouver Canucks – Three years remaining at $4.95 million per.
Tyler Myers – Vancouver Canucks – One year left at $6 million.
Brock Boeser – Vancouver Canucks – Two years remaining at $6.65 million per.
Anthony Mantha – Washington Capitals – One year left at $5.7 million.
Matt Grzelcyk – Boston Bruins – One year left at $3,687,500.
Josh Bailey – New York Islanders – One year left at $5 million.
Cal Petersen – Los Angeles Kings – Two years left at $5 million.
Barclay Goodrow – New York Rangers – Four years remaining at $3,641,667 per.
Marco Scandella – St. Louis Blues – One year left at $4 million.
Cody Ceci – Edmonton Oilers – Two years remaining at $3.25 million per.
The Blackhawks may not have to add veteran leadership to help guide Connor Bedard
Jay Zawaski of Everything CHGO: The Chicago Blackhawks don’t need to bring in a veteran presence to help guide Connor Bedard, they already have one.
Defenseman Seth Jones made the jump from junior hockey with the Portland Winterhawks to the NHL blue line for the Nashville Predators. Now, Bedard is a small forward. He enters Tyler Johnson, 5-foot-8 forward. Defenseman Connor Murphy can help Bedard adjust to living in Chicago and dealing with the media. If teams want to take liberties with Bedard, the Blackhawks have Murphy, Jarred Tinordi and Reese Johnson.
The Oilers need an upgrade in the top four, but free agent options and salary cap space may not allow it.
Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic: The Edmonton Oilers need to improve their first four on the blue line. To do so, they will need to move someone and their salary. Signs are pointing to Cody Ceci and his two years of him at $3.25 million as an option.
Kailer Yamamoto and his $3.1 million is another candidate to clear the cap space. He hasn’t produced enough to stay in the top six and may be replaced by someone like Warren Foegele, Dylan Holloway or possibly Raphael Lavoie.
Ceci did not have a great season and played through injury for most of the season. He maybe he can heal himself and return to his previous form. Maybe another team will come calling thinking the same thing.
The UFA’s outstanding right-handed defensemen include Damon Severson, Scott Mayfield, Matt Dumba, John Klingberg, Radko Gudas and Justin Holl. Some of these will get more than Ceci’s $3.25 million.
