Edmonton Oilers are making some changes to their lineup, as reported by Sportsnet's Mark Spector, but fortunately, it's not due to any injuries. According to Spector, Cody Ceci has returned to Edmonton while the team is in California preparing to face the San Jose Sharks tomorrow night. However, Ceci will not be playing due to his impending fatherhood, as he will be heading back to Alberta to be with his family.
Despite Ceci's absence, his availability for the beginning of the postseason is not in question, as he has been an integral part of the team's top four this season, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game and playing in all 79 contests so far. The 29-year-old right-defenseman has scored one goal and 14 points, carving out a role as a defensive presence.
Replacing Ceci will be veteran defenseman Jason Demers, also reported by Spector. The 34-year-old has not played an NHL game since the 2020-21 season when he was with the Arizona Coyotes. Although he only played five games last season in the KHL as well as five games at the Olympics, he has spent this entire season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors. Spector notes that Demers plans on retiring following this season but will have the opportunity to play in his 700th career NHL game in Ceci's absence.
