For the second straight year, the Kings biggest free agent is a defensive defenseman with poor underlying numbers and virtually no offensive abilities. Cody Ceci signed a four-year deal with an AAV of $4.5 million. A contract that was mocked across the NHL landscape. While he provides veteran experience,... penalty kill prowess, and willingness to block shots the metrics aren't great. • With Dallas last year, Ceci was outscored 7-2 during 5v5 in the Edmonton series • He was scratched in Game 2 of the Cup final with the Oilers in 2024 • When Colorado swept Edmonton in 2022, Ceci finished with a 33.06% xgoal share, worst on the team Even with all that evidence, LA led by Jim Hiller, gives Ceci a multi-year deal leaning heavier into their “defensive” mindset locking up a mundane blueline, while legit contenders bring a more progressive approach. Hopefully it works. Grade: Dshow more

Most disenchanted Kings fans have probably never watched Ceci play or have paid attention to him. I mean lets leave out the part that he has played in over 100 playoff games by the age of 31 and has been a + defender for the last six years minus his time with a horrendous Sharks team. Most Kings fans cry about getting pushed around by Edmonton in the playoffs but when we swap size and experience it is still not enough.

Ceci’s a wild card, but maybe he surprises us?

This is the first time in years I am not excited for the Kings season to start. I have absolutely zero urge to watch this team. Love most of the players but watching this team play sludge puck is one of the worst experiences there is.

Generous… I give it an F-

Biggest issue is the amount. If it was $2.5 mill AAV, it wouldn't be that bad. Doing this right after that terrible return we got for Spence, made it a little hard to take. I'm hoping he can be a pleasant surprise. Let's give Cody Ceci a chance. I'll give it until Christmas.

What boggles my mind, is listening to what is involved, to get Yannetti to even consider a prospect to make it on his personal list. The scouts must present data, analytics, show plays, dissect them if the were positive, negative or neutral. The scouts present their case and it must pass muster. They debate on several points and he decides if they get to be on his master list. Did you hear the pods where he said that? It sounds exhaustive and a team effort of going over all data sets and videos. Followed by arguments making your case. I honestly love that they are this thorough. Why can’t the GM operate like this? Now, apply that to the GM position. If Holland had Emerson, Bergevin, Tyler Wright, Murray and I guess Luc go over all of that, when considering a player signing or a player to be traded for…Ceci would have been shot down so quickly. One bad signing can sink your team. You’re basically not wasting 4.5M for 4 yrs, you’ve wasted a 93M team! And may need an exit plan in year one. I honestly wonder if Holland can name 3 players on every team under the age of 26. I think he only knows players over 30. @BigMouthBarry @DennisTFP @mayorNHL @MarcelAndRogie @AStanovich68 @TheBannermenPod @calstanvard @YannettisBeard @AEGSportsCheese

All the same BS with Edmundson. The contract matters when it impedes our on ice success or it puts us in cap hell. In this system, our D corp is going to be solid. He’ll be a +player and if his size and experience gets us out of the 1st round no one will give a shit.

So Hiller was the final decision maker on this, not Holland? That doesn't make sense to me.

Your metrics versus the LA Kings organizational metrics clearly don’t align. He wasn’t picked up to provide offense, he was picked up to block shots and kill penalties. I’ll put money down we have a top 3 PK in the league this season.

I'd love to know what metrics the Kings are using