Senators expect to reach extension with Cody Ceci in 'next few weeks'

Fear not, Ottawa Senators fans, the team expects Cody Ceci to be on the blue line for opening night.

Ceci is still a restricted free agent, but Senators general manager Pierre Dorion told Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun that the team expects to reach a deal with the defenseman soon.

"It's taken a bit longer than I anticipated," Dorion said. "I think maybe (J.P. Barry, Ceci's agent) 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. 12. I think in the next few weeks we'll get something done."

Dorion said recent discussions with Barry have been positive.

"J.P and I exchanged emails (Thursday) and they were really positive emails," he said. "We're still looking at different angles and what we can do for a contract but I have a lot of faith."

Ceci enjoyed a breakout season in 2015-16, notching a career high in goals with 10 and points with 26. The 22-year-old no doubt wants a long-term deal, but, given he just completed his third season and only has 56 career points, the Sens will likely want to be cautious.