I personally think that a healthy Ceci is better than a bottom pairing defenseman. I think is is a solid #4 provided that its a real #4 and not the role he would have in Edmonton playing with either Ekholm or Bouchard. Though frankly if Bouchard took a huge step forward to become a true top pairing defender who actually worked with Nurse I could see Ceci being fine with Ekholm.
I fully agree with you that the main need for this team aside from consistent goal tending is an Ekholm level RHD.
You are right. He's a 4/5 d-man. I was kind of projecting on a deep, elite blue line he might slot in as a quality third pair. He killed that role in Pittsburg and has gamely played up the line-up in Edmonton.
I hope this team sticks with the Ekholm Bouchard pairing. They complement very well and Ekholm is an incredible steady, consistent, reliable on-ice tutor who helps the calming, maturation work still underway with young d-man Bouchard who's still under 200 regular season games. I don't think Bouchard would complement Nurse very well as a pairing.
Ekholm is able to work with anyone such is his strong ability to think the game, wisdom of a long road as an elite veteran d-man, and he's like another coach on the ice with his mentorship. I don't see that capacity with Nurse who has a high, innate impulsiveness to his game that aggressively attacks in defending. Nurse would benefit from a strong, structured veteran d-man.