Trade Grades: Stars Add Mikael Granlund, Cody Ceci

Trade Grades: Stars Add Mikael Granlund, Cody Ceci

We’re now a few days removed from the trade that sent Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci to the Dallas Stars. Chris Bagdonas and I sat down and chatted about the deal so the video you see below will be included in this trade grades post and the fantasy hockey follow up that will come after this. Enjoy the extra content. If you don’t care to watch it, feel free to comment on how you feel about the trade!

I hate this trade for Dallas. Absolutely despise it. I’ve been listing Dallas as my number one team in the power rankings since the start of the season. That just might change after this god awful deal.

Stars: Grade D

Can I just start by sharing the two player cards here? I watch the games and the metrics add up here. That’s all I’ll say on that.

Mikael Granlund, acquired by DAL, is a skilled playmaking centre who is creative with the puck. Has produced nicely as a big minute player on a rebuilder but his lack of foot speed and defence has been an issue before. pic.twitter.com/iwrxoVBo61

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 1, 2025

Cody Ceci, acquired by DAL, is a veteran depth defenceman. Was not particularly effective in Edmonton and had an absolutely miserable time in San Jose as a top four matchup defender. pic.twitter.com/eM96csJ0q7

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 1, 2025

Are you seriously telling me that you couldn’t have used your first round pick on something better than this ^^^.

We’ve seen what happens with Grandlund when he plays down in the order. He doesn’t defend well enough to be a factor and the Stars don’t need his offense. Ceci is basically unplayable and doesn’t solve their depth issue at D.

With Miro Heiskanen going down hurt, the Stars feel screwed in the back end. The crew of Matt Dumba and Cody Ceci doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.

By the way, the Stars have hit on all of their draft picks. Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Jake Oettinger, Thomas Harley, Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven, and Heiskanen are all draft picks. It’s the only reason they’re good. For a team that nails all of their picks and clearly knows how to scout, why are you giving away another opportunity to land a stud? So that you can land Grandlund and Ceci?

Absolutely horrible. I’m giving them a D because Grandlund can at least play but that’s it.

Do The Penguins Already Regret The Mikael Granlund Trade?

Sharks: Grade A

I can’t believe I’m saying this but way to go, Mike Grier! Granlund was a UFA so cashing him in for a first rounder feels like a win. I have no idea how they got anything for Ceci but great job. Not sure what more there is to say here. Based on how the Granlund experience went in Pittsburgh, to cash him in a few years later for a first is a huge victory for the Sharks front office. No other way to slice it.

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