The Carolina Hurricanes announced earlier today that they traded defenceman Andrej Sekera to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a draft pick and a prospect. The pick is a first round selection, according to TSN’s Aaron Ward. Bob McKenzie reports the prospect is Roland McKeown, the Kings second round pick in 2014.
Kings still finalizing deal for Sekera, draft pick and prospect going the other way
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 25, 2015
As @TSNAaronWard reported, CAR trades Sekera to LAK for 1st round pick and a prospect.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2015
If LA makes playoffs this year, first rounder is this year. If LA misses, first rounder is next year
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 25, 2015
Sekera, 28, has played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Hurricanes throughout his eight season NHL career, putting up 30 goals and 154 points in the process. The Slovakian defender experienced a career season, with 11 goals and 44 points. Sekera is regarded as a talented offensive blue liner, capable of logging big minutes on a nightly basis. Sekera is in the final year of a four-year deal with an AAV or Cap Hit of $2.75 million a season. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent come July 1st. He represented Slovakia at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
He is capable of being a top four defenceman, and his ability to help out on the powerplay and his right handed shot will make him a valuable asset down the stretch and into the NHL playoffs.
The Kings have been looking for a right handed defenceman all season long, due to the suspension of Slava Voynov after he was arrested on charges of domestic violence. With todays move, they finally get the player they wanted.
Last year, LWOS’ Prospect expert Ben Kerr was very high on Roland McKeown. Here is his profile.
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Main Photo by Jamie Kellner, CC.
