Cody Ceci and the Ottawa Senators had an arbitration hearing Wednesday, Sportsnet reported.
The arbitrator has 48 hours to render a decision. Ceci and the Senators can agree to a contract before the ruling is given. The 24-year-old defenseman had 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 82 games for Ottawa last season.
The Senators selected Ceci in the first round (No. 15) of the 2012 NHL Draft. He has 92 points (25 goals, 67 assists) in 366 NHL games and three assists in 25 Stanley Cup Playoff games. If the contract awarded is more than $4.7 million annually, the Senators can deny the ruling and Ceci would become an unrestricted free agent. Ottawa has an arbitration hearing with forward Mark Stone scheduled for Aug. 3.
