Cody Ceci’s short stint in Dallas has officially come to an end.
The former Stars defenseman agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings worth $4.5 million annually on Tuesday, the team announced.
The 31-year-old defenseman on an expiring contract was traded to the Stars on Feb. 1 in a deal with the San Jose Sharks alongside teammate Mikael Granlund in exchange for a first-round and fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft.
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Ceci was the only addition the Stars made on the blue line mid-season and delivered important minutes down the stretch of the season on the right side of Dallas’ blue line. He recorded nine assists in 31 regular-season games, averaging 20:14 of ice time, before recording three assists in 18 playoff games and logging 21:31 of ice time.
Ceci played in a top-four role next to Esa Lindell for most of his time in Dallas. He was also key on the Stars’ penalty kill.
But with a $3.25 million cap hit on his previous expiring deal, it was unlikely the Stars would be able to re-sign Ceci given their tight cap situation.
Ceci, a former first-round pick in the 2012 draft, has spent time in Ottawa, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, San Jose and Dallas.
Los Angeles will be the fourth team he’s played for since the start of the 2023-24 season.
The Stars have Miro Heiskanen, Lindell, Thomas Harley, Nils Lundkvist and Lian Bichsel signed on their blue line.
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