KINGS LAND SLOVAKIAN D ANDREJ SEKERA
The Los Angeles Kings acquired defenseman Andrej Sekera from the Carolina Hurricanes for defenseman Roland McKeown and a conditional first-round draft pick.
What does it give the Los Angeles Kings
This move places the defending champions once again in a very strong position to win the Stanley Cup. Sekera is a very solid blueliner who should play a lot for the Kings, who have been hit hard with the absence of {P Slava Voynov} (suspended) this season. LA paid a steep price in order to secure Sekera, a potential unrestricted free agent, but are probably more likely to retain him beyond July 1 than most teams.
What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
For the 'Canes, this was a very solid deal. They received a quality junior-aged prospect in McKeown, who should immediately become Carolina's second-best blueline prospect (after {P Haydn Fleury}). They also received a first rounder (either in 2015 or '16, depending on whether the Kings miss or make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season), so this was quite a coup for a team set to lose Sekera's services anyway.
Fantasy impact
This deal shouldn't change Sekera's fantasy value too much, except perhaps in the plus/minus category. The Kings aren't an offensive juggernaut, either. McKeown's long-range upside remains solid, and he is a good bet to reach the NHL more quickly now that he's Carolina property.
