SIGNING CECI A ‘CHALLENGE’
Cody Ceci is the last man not signed on the dotted line.
But by the time the Senators open the season on Oct. 12, GM Pierre Dorion is confident Ceci will be back on the club’s blue line.
Speaking to reporters Friday at the Bell Sensplex, Dorion indicated he’s been in regular contact with Ceci’s Kelowna-based agent J.P. Barry.
It’s believed the two sides have spoken about a two-year bridge contract and a long-term, six-year deal but it’s believed they are focused on the shorter term right now because the Senators want to see how Ceci develops.
Dorion admitted trying to get Ceci signed has been a challenge.
“J.P. and I exchanged emails (Thursday) and they were really positive emails,” Dorion said. “We’re still looking at different angles and what we can do for a contract, but I have a lot of faith.
“It’s taken a bit longer than I anticipated. I think maybe J.P. is trying to test me in my first time as GM, even though I’ve done quite a (few) contracts before.
“He’ll be playing for us Oct. 12th. I think in the next few weeks we’ll get something done.”
Dorion said the club has looked at several options for Ceci. It’s believed on a six-year deal Ceci’s camp wants something in the $4 million perseason range while the belief among league execs is a two-year contract would be in the neighbourhood of $2.8million-to-$3 million per-season.