Cody Ceci
Dec 28, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) controls the puck in in the third period against the Boston Bruins at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Bruins 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Expectation: Ceci wasn’t even expected to see NHL action this season. The plan for his first pro year was to play in Binghamton and get used to the game at that level, expecially in his own end, before getting an NHL test.
In The First Half: I guess Ceci’s learning curve was steeper than expected, and when the need arose he got his chance and has been a mainstay in the lineup since his recall. After a couple of adventurous outings, he settled down and has earned the trust of MacLean to the point that he not only plays power play, but has been out killing penalties in the dying minutes of close games.
GRADE: A+
Potential for Improvement: While it remains to be seen if he will stick around for the rest of the season, he is making management’s decision difficult. His potential is through the roof, and if the first 9 games are any indication, the sky is the limit.