The Detroit Red Wings enter the 2025 offseason facing a pressing need on their blue line, and NHL analyst Todd Matthews of Octopus Thrower believes a veteran defenseman like Cody Ceci could be an ideal short-term solution. The Red Wings are reportedly considering moving on from Justin Holl — either via a buyout or trade — and may also choose not to re-sign Jeff Petry. This opens a significant hole in their defensive corps, one that Matthews suggests could be filled by Ceci’s reliable, if unspectacular, presence.
Ceci, who recently completed a four-year, $13 million contract split between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, played an impressive 85 games last season, showing his durability and experience. Though he only registered 24 points (4 goals, 20 assists), Ceci logged top-four minutes, had a plus-6 rating, and blocked 155 shots. Matthews emphasized Ceci’s ability to provide steady second- or third-pairing minutes — something Holl failed to do consistently — while also serving as a veteran presence in the locker room.
Justin Holl’s time in Detroit has been underwhelming. Signed to a three-year, $10.2 million contract in 2023, Holl spent much of the 2024–25 season as a healthy scratch, contributing just 5 points in 67 games. NHL insider Jeremy Tingly reports that Holl is a strong candidate for a buyout, which would cost the Red Wings $1.13 million against the cap for the next two seasons but save them $2.2 million in 2025–26. That potential cap relief could pave the way for signing a replacement like Ceci, who’s projected to command around $3–4 million annually on a short-term deal.
Detroit’s offseason moves are all being made with one goal in mind: ending their nine-year playoff drought. General manager Steve Yzerman has made it clear that the Red Wings are looking to build a sustainable contender. “I don’t measure success by making the playoffs one year and bowing out the next,” Yzerman said. “It’s about continued success… trying to win and aiming for Stanley Cups.” Signing a veteran like Ceci aligns with that philosophy, offering a stabilizing force on the blue line while younger defensemen continue to develop.
As free agency approaches, the Red Wings are expected to be aggressive. With cap space opening up and a clear directive from the front office, targeting a reliable, experienced defenseman like Cody Ceci would be a practical step in Detroit’s journey back to postseason relevance. While Ceci may not be a long-term answer, his addition could help bridge the gap as the team’s young core matures into a legitimate playoff contender.
