As NHL defensemen go, Sekera is not easy to define.
He plays an all-around game and is too skilled to be labeled either a stay-at-home defenseman, a puck-mover or a shutdown presence.
As NHL defensemen go, Sekera is not easy to define.
He plays an all-around game and is too skilled to be labeled either a stay-at-home defenseman, a puck-mover or a shutdown presence.
A left-handed shot, the 6-foot, 198-pound Sekera can play on the right or left side. He's not overly physical or flashy, just effective.
What you can call the native of Bojnice, Slovakia, is a valued commodity. Sekera has been depended on to play 20-plus minutes per game, and in all situations.
A third-round pick (No. 71) by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2004 NHL Draft, Sekera played for the Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes and the Los Angeles Kings before signing a six-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent on July 1, 2015.
In 2013-14, his only full season with Carolina, Sekera was second in assists (33) and third in points (44).
A seasoned international player, Sekera has represented Slovakia at the Winter Olympics, World Championship and World Junior Championship.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- OHL All-Rookie Team (2005)
- OHL First All-Star Team (2006)
- Signed as a free agent by Bratislava (KHL), September 27, 2012.
- Traded to Carolina by Buffalo for Jamie McBain and Carolina's 2nd round pick (J.T. Compher) in 2013 NHL Draft, June 30, 2013.
- Traded to Los Angeles by Carolina for Roland McKeown and Los Angeles' 1st round pick (Julien Gauthier) in 2016 NHL Draft, February 25, 2015.
- Signed as a free agent by Edmonton, July 1, 2015.
