Kings, Sekera have talked about an extension
Both Andrej Sekera and the Los Angeles Kings have expressed mutual interest in a contract negotiation.
Sekera, who was traded from the Carolina Hurricanes to the Kings a few days before this year's trade deadline, had one goal and three assists in 16 games before going down with a MCL injury. The 28-year-old defenseman has 31 goals and 128 assists in 486 career NHL games.
A contract extension may be a bit difficult for the Kings this early into the offseason. They have about $64.15 million in guaranteed contracts for next season already, and Gary Bettman has projected the cap ceiling to be $71.5 million next season. The team has many notable players becoming RFA's this offseason, including Tyler Toffoli and Martin Jones. The Kings also have a few UFA contracts that they could potentially address, including Justin Williams and Jarret Stoll, though Stoll's contract extension situation may be a bit sticky after his recent drug arrest.
The Kings already have seven defensemen signed to the team for next season for a total of $23,1666,667, including Slava Voynov, who is signed for four more seasons at $4,166,667 per year. Given Voynov's legal situation, the Kings may see some cap relief, should Voynov not return to the team.
Sekera signed a four-year, $11 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres in 2011. However, Sekera would more than likely expect more than $2.75 million per year with the Kings. Just last season, Sekera finished with a career high and goals (11) and assists (33) in 74 games with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Should the Kings re-sign Sekera, it would be the second major trade deadline acquisition the Kings have extended in as many years. Just last season, the Kings traded Matt Frattin, a 2014 2nd round pick and a conditional third round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Marian Gaborik. After leading the Kings with 14 goals in the playoffs in route to a Stanley Cup victory, the Kings were more than happy to offer Gaborik a contract, signing him to a massive seven-year, $34 million deal.
(h/t LA Kings Insider)
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports
