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Whether he’s here beyond that is still to be determined. Ceci is making $4.3 million. On the Capitals he’d be the 10th highest paid player. On the Senators he’s now third.

The next handsomely rewarded defenceman on the Senators payroll is Dion Phaneuf, who they will pay $1,625,000 over the next two years and $1,375,000 in 2020-21. That would be just before the promised run of unparalleled success.

Ceci is scheduled to be a restricted free agent on July 1. To keep his rights, the Senators have to match his current salary. They may not want to do that. But they may have to, if only help them get to the salary cap floor.

Photo by Tony Caldwell / Postmedia

Dorion and Ceci also discussed the future on Tuesday.

“We just said that we’re going to all get together at the end of the season and look at what’s best for me and what’s best for the team, moving forward,” said Ceci.

“Whether that would be another contract in Ottawa, something longer term, or maybe a trade. Just depends on the direction they want to go and what they want to do with me.”

What it sounds like the Senators are going to do with Ceci right now is give him a letter. They should, with the role they’re asking him to play.

Photo by Julio Cortez / AP

“They’re looking to me as a leader for all these young guys,” said Ceci.

“That too is a cool opportunity, especially at such a young age, to be looked at as that guy, to help these guys through the tough times, and to help them develop as good pros.

“Times are tough right now, but being in a position to be a leader for younger guys is a cool opportunity. So I’ve just got to make the most of it. Show up every single night and compete no matter how the game is going. You’ve just got to show that you can’t take it for granted to play in the NHL. No matter what your situation is. You’ve just got to play hard every night.”