The Los Angeles Kings have signed defenseman Cody Ceci to a four-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $4.5 million, running through the 2028-29 season. The deal is worth a total of $18 million. This move aims to add size and experience to the Kings' defensive group.
Ceci, 31, is a veteran of 12 NHL seasons, having played 871 career regular-season games. He has previously played for the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, and Dallas Stars. Throughout his NHL career, Ceci has recorded 52 goals and 183 assists for a total of 235 points, along with 194 penalty minutes. His best offensive season came in 2021-22 with the Oilers, where he tallied 5 goals and set career highs in assists (23) and points (28). Ceci has also played in 106 Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording 4 goals and 18 assists for 22 points. His 106 playoff games are the 14th-most among active defensemen.
Internationally, Ceci has represented Canada in two IIHF tournaments, winning a gold medal at the 2016 IIHF Men's World Championship and a silver medal at the 2011 IIHF Men's Under-18 World Junior Championship.
Prior to joining the Kings, Ceci split the 2024-25 season between the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars, recording 4 goals and 20 assists for 24 points in 85 games. His 85 games played were the second-most in a single season in NHL history. After being traded to Dallas on February 1, 2025, Ceci posted a team-best plus-15 rating in the final 31 regular-season games. He also contributed 3 assists in 18 playoff games for the Stars.
Ceci was originally drafted 15th overall by his hometown Ottawa Senators in the 2012 NHL Draft. He played his junior hockey in Ottawa as well with the Ottawa 67's.
The Kings' signing of Ceci coincides with the acquisition of fellow defenseman Brian Dumoulin, who signed a three-year contract with an AAV of $4 million. These acquisitions suggest a strategic shift towards prioritizing size, experience, and a "playoff build" on the Kings' blue line. Kings General Manager Ken Holland traded Jordan Spence to Ottawa which freed up a spot for Ceci among LA's second or third defensive pairing.
While some analysts and fans have expressed concerns about the contract term and AAV, others have pointed to Ceci's positive attributes, such as his size (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) and stay-at-home defensive style. Some have noted that Ceci was well-regarded by teammates and coaches during his time in Edmonton, particularly for his postseason play.
