Ottawa Senators Fighting For A Spot In Training Camp

Dec 16, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) controls the puck in the third period against the St. Louis Blues at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Blues 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

2. Cody Ceci

Cody Ceci was a surprise call-up, last year. The call up came after Jared Cowen was suspended and Marc Methot was nursing an injury. Ceci played a simplified game and got used to the NHL level last year. This year he’s only 1 of 8 “NHL ready” Senators defensemen with a 2-way contract.

A  recent quote from Senators Assistant General Manager Pierre Dorion reveals the teams admire for Ceci:

"Barring a surprise, I think it’s safe to say he (Ceci) will be on our team"

Ceci has been compared to a player like Brent Seabrook in Chicago, with a high ceiling.

It’s safe to say that he may be pushed aside in Senators prospect talk with the hype surrounding Curtis Lazar. However, Ceci has incredible potential to become a solid Top 4 defenseman, with an offensive upside.

The Senators defensive core is wide open. Ceci, Karlsson, and Wiercioch are all considered “Puck movers” and although that side of Ceci’s NHL game may have not quite developed fully, the balance between puck movers and stay at home guys is valuable to NHL clubs; and Ottawa has a good balance of both.

Ceci can take a spot as high as the second pairing, with powerplay time. Paul Maclean will “flip-flop” guys throughout the lineup all season, this we know. It is up to Ceci as to where he plays this season. Whether it’s in a prominent NHL role or not.

Competing Role: 2nd pairing D-man