Andrej Sekera, a Slovak professional ice hockey defenseman, embarked on his NHL journey after being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round, 71st overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. His career in the National Hockey League began with the Sabres, where he made his debut during the 2006-2007 season. Over the next few years, Sekera developed his skills and became a reliable presence on the blue line for Buffalo.
During his tenure with the Sabres, Sekera's defensive capabilities and ability to contribute offensively were evident. He played a total of seven seasons with Buffalo, appearing in over 300 games and recording a respectable number of points for a defenseman. His time with the Sabres came to an end in 2013 when he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Sekera's stint with the Hurricanes saw him continue to be a steady defenseman. In Carolina, he played two seasons and further solidified his reputation as a dependable player. His performance during the 2013-2014 season was particularly noteworthy, as he achieved career-high numbers in goals, assists, and points. This standout season highlighted his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice.
In 2015, Sekera was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he played for a brief period before signing a six-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. His time with the Oilers marked a significant chapter in his career. Sekera played an integral role in the team's defense, helping them reach the playoffs in the 2016-2017 season. Unfortunately, injuries began to take a toll on his playing time and performance in subsequent seasons.
Despite these challenges, Sekera continued to demonstrate his resilience and professionalism. In 2019, he was placed on waivers by the Oilers and subsequently bought out of his contract. Shortly thereafter, he signed with the Dallas Stars, where he continued to play until the end of his NHL career. With the Stars, Sekera brought veteran experience to the team and contributed to their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
Throughout his career, Sekera also represented Slovakia in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics. His international play further showcased his abilities and commitment to the sport.
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