This situation might take even longer to resolve because of the limited options that Ceci has compared to Hoffman. Unlike Hoffman, Ceci doesn’t have the right to take the team to arbitration to settle the conflict.
Arbitration is normally reserved for players who have been in the NHL for longer than 4 years, but that yearly total is less for players who sign their first contract after the age of 20. Hoffman signed his entry-level NHL contract at age 20.
Ceci signed his entry-level NHL contract when he was 19, and this provision prevents him from being able to go to arbitration, because he only has 3 years of NHL experience.