From a positional and organizational standpoint, it would be easy to see Ceci fitting in with the Sharks long-term. The other right-shot defensemen on San Jose’s roster are Jan Rutta, another pending UFA, and Timothy Liljegren, who is signed through next season but has mainly been used in a middle-pair role.

The San Jose Sharks hosted the New Jersey Devils for some matinee hockey. The game was a close one, but ultimately it was the Sharks who were victorious, 3-2.

NHL: San Jose Sharks start homestand with bitter loss to Vegas Golden Knights; face Calgary Flames on Saturday

Instead, the puck remained in play, paving the way for Sharks Alex Wenneberg to feed the puck up to the blueline where defenseman Cody Ceci was waiting to fire a slapshot through traffic. With just 24 seconds remaining on the clock Ceci's shot wired past the goal line to send the home team into a raucous cheer.