The Los Angeles Kings were expected to be big-name hunting this offseason, and while they never got a chance to land Mitchell Marner or Brock Boeser, fans were hoping they would pivot to someone who could help them get back into the playoff picture and make a deep run.

However, they didn’t do that. One of the biggest contracts handed out in free agency so far was from the Kings to defender Cody Ceci, as he signed a four-year deal worth $4.5 million annually.

That is not a great contract.

Let’s take a quick look at his analytics:

His defensive ability is horrendous, and teams exploit that; he lacks any offensive upside, and he is likely going to be a bottom-pairing defender. It wasn’t a great signing, considering how many teams around the NHL seemingly avoided bringing him in. 

The main issue with this is the possibility that Ceci ends up playing top-pairing minutes for the Kings. For a team that has been looking to find a way to make a deep playoff run after several seasons of struggles, this doesn't seem like the brightest decision.

The Edmonton Oilers paid the San Jose Sharks to take him last summer, and then he was packaged to the Dallas Stars near the 2025 Trade Deadline, and he was exposed by the Oilers’ quickness in the Western Conference Final. 

Ceci, who is 31 years old, has scored 52 goals and added 183 assists for 235 points through 871 games in his career. Last season, he played 85 games between the Sharks and Stars, scoring four goals and adding 20 assists for 24 points.

Not a great look from new general manager Ken Holland, but fans seem hopeful Ceci can bounce back in a big way. However, this isn’t a great start for them as they try to remain in contention.

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Kopitar and Byfield: The Changing of the Guard EL SEGUNDO, CA — I continue my <i>Summer Series of Sunday Thoughts</i> regarding the Los Angeles Kings, it's about time we talked about one of the most pressing matters on my mind—and realistically, what should be on everyone's mind: Quinton Byfield and his pivotal next season in the City of Angels.