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Ottawa Senators Playoff Return Important to Cody Ceci

By Ian Smith

Feb 16, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) and Buffalo Sabres left wing Jaimie McGinn (88) chase the puck in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) and Buffalo Sabres left wing Jaimie McGinn (88) chase the puck in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ottawa Senators look poised to return to the playoffs next season, and Cody Ceci is going to be a big reason why if all goes to plan.

With his new contract being agreed to, Ceci stressed the importance of playing on a competitive team.

“It’s pretty frustrating when the season is over and you’re watching other teams playing,” said Ceci. “It makes you feel like you played a full season for nothing. We want to be in the hunt for the Stanley Cup.”

It looks like the beginning of a new era in Ottawa. Pierre Dorion is asserting his presence as the new general manager, and already putting his mark on the roster.

The Mika Zibanejad trade for Derick Brassard gives the team a new identity, heavily emphasizing the desire to win immediately.

New head coach Guy Boucher not only deploys aggressive offensive schemes, but is known for fast success at his numerous gigs.

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Ceci is expected to be paired with Dion Phaneuf over the course of an entire season, which will provide him with stability that simply wasn’t there for him over long stretches of last season.

The proof of Phaneuf’s influence is in Ceci’s numbers following his acquisition. Before the Phaneuf trade, Ceci had 5 goals and 16 points in 47 games. After Phaneuf joined the Senators, Ceci had 5 goals and 10 points in 28 games.

He had a higher point rate after Phaneuf joined, and a much higher goal scoring rate after the trade with Toronto was initiated.

With Erik Karlsson and Marc Methot being that top duo, the Senators should feel great about two talented offensive defensemen like Ceci and Phaneuf being their second duo on the blue line.

As Ceci continues to build on his success, the Senators look suspiciously like a playoff team if all their pieces play up to their ability.

If Ceci values team success as much as he indicates, the collective prosperity of the Senators is going to heavily factor in to Ceci’s enthusiasm for re-signing when his contract is up in two years.

Not only will he be eligible for arbitration, but he’ll be due for a large pay raise if his production continues to improve.

Next: Ottawa Senators Update Payroll After Cody Ceci Deal

It’s all for the benefit of the Senators, though, because increased productivity from Ceci will likely coincide with playoff status.

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