Andrej Sekera

{{Infobox ice hockey player

| name = Andrej Sekera

| image = Andrej Sekera 2013-1.jpg

| image_size = 230px

| caption = Sekera with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|6|8|df=y}}

| birth_place = Bojnice, Czechoslovakia

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 0

| weight_lb = 204

| position = Defence

| shoots = Left

| played_for = HK Dukla Trencin
Buffalo Sabres
Slovan Bratislava
Carolina Hurricanes
Los Angeles Kings
Edmonton Oilers
Dallas Stars

| ntl_team = SVK

| draft = 71st overall

| draft_year = 2004

| draft_team = Buffalo Sabres

| career_start = 2006

| career_end = 2022

}}

Andrej Sekera (born 8 June 1986) is a Slovak former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played for the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Born and raised in Slovakia, Sekera played in the Slovak Extraliga for Dukla Trenčín before moving to North America to play with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). During his first season in the OHL, Sekra finished the regular season with 28 points in 51 games to rank seventh on the team in scoring. The following year, Sekra won the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's most outstanding defenceman. As a result of his outstanding junior play, he was drafted in the third round, 71st overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Sekera spent seven seasons with the Sabres before he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013. In his one and a half seasons with the team, Sekera broke out offensively and recorded career-highs in goals, assists, and points. His tenure ended when he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings to finish out the 2014–15 season. He remained with the Kings for the remainder of the season before signing with the Edmonton Oilers in 2015.

Early life

Sekera was born on 8 June 1986, in Bojnice, Slovakia{{cite web |title=Andrej Sekera |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9249/andrej-sekera |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=14 November 2021}} where he began playing ice hockey with neighborhood friends. As a teenager, he played two full seasons with the Trencin Jr. team, and three games in the Slovak Extraliga for Dukla Trenčín.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Michael |title=Sekera Embraces Humble Hockey Roots |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/sekera-embraces-humble-hockey-roots/c-704785 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=12 February 2014}}

Playing career

=Minor=

As a result of his hometown play, Sekera was drafted second overall by the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the 2004 Import Draft.{{cite web |title=Attack at the Draft – CHL Import Draft Preview |url=https://attackhockey.com/article/attack-at-the-draft-chl-import-draft-preview |publisher=Owen Sound Attack |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=24 June 2021}} A few days later, Sekera was drafted 71st overall by the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.{{cite web |last1=Snow |first1=Kevin |title=DRAFT FLASHBACK: 2004 |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/draft-flashback-2004/c-721520 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=2 June 2004}} During his first season in the OHL, Sekra finished the regular season with 28 points in 51 games to rank seventh on the team in scoring. The following year, Sekra won the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's most outstanding defenceman.{{cite web |title=Attack's Sekera named OHL Most Outstanding Defenceman |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/attacks-sekera-named-ohl-most-outstanding-defenceman/n-3304787 |publisher=Our Sports Central |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=3 May 2006}}

=Professional=

==Buffalo Sabres==

File:Andrej Sekera in 2008.jpg

Following the 2005–06 OHL season, Sekera signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres on 14 July 2006.{{cite web |title=Sekera Agrees To Terms |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/sekera-agrees-to-terms/c-437180 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=14 July 2006}} As such, he participated in the Sabres' pre-season games and recorded two penalty minutes and nine shots on goal through four contests. He was subsequently assigned to the Sabres' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans, to begin the 2006–07 season.{{cite web |title=Sekera Assigned to Rochester |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/sekera-assigned-to-rochester/c-437245 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=2 October 2006}} Sekera was limited to 11 games with the Americans due to an injury but earned his first NHL callup on 24 November. He made his NHL debut that night in a 2–1 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens.{{cite web |title=Getting His Feet Wet |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/getting-his-feet-wet/c-437329 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=11 December 2006}} He was returned to the AHL and finished the season with 17 points through 40 games. Sekera also spoke highly of his AHL experience, saying it helped him adjust his game to the professional level.{{cite web |last1=Pollina |first1=Erin |title=FUTURE BLUELINERS |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/future-blueliners/c-437600 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=12 September 2007}}

Sekera returned to the Sabres organization for the 2007–08 season but was again re-assigned to the Rochester Americans.{{cite web |title=MACARTHUR, SEKERA ASSIGNED TO ROCHESTER |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/macarthur-sekera-assigned-to-rochester/c-437648 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=3 October 2007}} However, following an injury to Jaroslav Spacek, he earned a recall to the NHL a few weeks later.{{cite web |last1=Pollina |first1=Erin |title=SEKERA CALLED UP FROM ROCHESTER |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/sekera-called-up-from-rochester/c-437675 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=18 October 2007}} During this time, he recorded his first career NHL goal on 28 November against St. Louis Blues' goaltender Manny Legace in a 4–3 loss.{{cite web |title=Blues 4, Sabres 3 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/blues-4-sabres-3/c-108339 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=28 November 2007}} In December, Sabres' coach Lindy Ruff announced that Sekera would remain on the NHL roster following further injuries to Dmitri Kalinin and Henrik Tallinder.{{cite web |last1=Wheeler |first1=Brian |title=HEALTHY BLUELINE? |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/healthy-blueline/c-437755 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=10 December 2007}} As a result of the Sabres' numerous injuries, Sekera's ice time increased and he averaged 17:17 minutes of ice time.{{cite web |last1=Wheeler |first1=Brian |title=MORE BLUELINE BAD NEWS |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/more-blueline-bad-news/c-437915 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=11 March 2008}} As the team recovered, he was returned to the AHL but called up again in March. During the month, the Sabres battled to qualify for the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs from their 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings.{{cite web |title=Andrej Sekera's overtime goal seals Sabres' 2-1 win over Bruins |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/andrej-sekeras-overtime-goal-seals-sabres-2-1-win-over-bruins/c-377431 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=30 March 2008}}

File:Andrej Sekera 2011-10-15.JPG in 2011.]]

As a result of his performance during the previous season, Sekera began the 2008–09 season with the Sabres.{{cite web |last1=McGourty |first1=John |title=Sabres hope to build off strong finish |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/sabres-hope-to-build-off-strong-finish/c-381313 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=3 September 2008}} He tallied 13 points through 43 games before suffering an ankle injury.{{cite web |last1=Pollina |first1=Erin |title=NOTEBOOK: SEKERA CLOSE TO RETURN |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/notebook-sekera-close-to-return/c-438375 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=10 February 2009}} Prior to the injury, he was also averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game.{{cite web |title=Sekera out for two weeks |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3840603 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=17 January 2009}} Upon returning to the lineup, he finished with a career-high 19 points through 69 games. Sekera was once again named to the Sabres' opening night roster to begin the 2009–10 season and played in three games before suffering a rib injury.{{cite web |title=Sabres' defenceman Andrej Sekera out with rib injury; Toni Lydman to return |url=https://www.si.com/hockey/news/sabres-defenceman-andrej-sekera-out-with-rib-injury-toni-lydman-to-return |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=12 October 2009}}

In the final year of his contract, Sekera recorded a career-high of 29 points through 76 games, including three goals. As such, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Sabres worth $11 million. He had originally requested salary arbitration.{{cite web |title=Andrej Sekera, Matt Ellis re-sign |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/6784412/buffalo-sabres-re-sign-andrej-sekera-matt-ellis-multiyear-deals |publisher=ESPN |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=19 July 2011}} During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, which canceled the majority of the first half of the 2012–13 season, Sekera played in his native Slovakia with Slovan Bratislava of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He returned to the Sabres following the return of NHL play in January 2013.

==Carolina Hurricanes==

File:Andrej Sekera 2013.jpg

On 30 June 2013, during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Sekera was traded by the Sabres to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the team's second-round draft pick (ultimately used to select J. T. Compher) and defenceman Jamie McBain.{{cite web |title=Hurricanes acquire Sekera from Sabres for McBain |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/hurricanes-acquire-sekera-from-sabres-for-mcbain/c-675898 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=30 June 2013}} Upon joining the Hurricanes, Sekera sparked offensively and recorded back-to-back goals in consecutive games for the first time since February 2010.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Michael |title=Sekera Finds Offensive Groove |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/sekera-finds-offensive-groove/c-693260 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=26 November 2013}} Through his first season with the Hurricanes, Sekera played alongside defensive partner Justin Faulk and recorded new career-highs in goals and points. By February, he had tallied nine goals and 32 points to tie for 12th among NHL defencemen in points. As a result of his success, he was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week in January.{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Terrell |title=Andrej Sekera Named NHL's Third Star of the Week |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/andrej-sekera-named-nhls-third-star-of-the-week/c-702546 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=27 January 2014}} He finished the 2013–14 season with a new career-best 44 points while leading all Hurricanes skaters in blocked shots and average time on ice per game. On 11 April 2014, he underwent season ending abdominal surgery with a recovery time of approximately six weeks.{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Terrell |title=Sekera Undergoes Abdominal Surgery |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/sekera-undergoes-abdominal-surgery/c-714119 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=11 April 2014}}

Following his career-best season, Sekera returned to the Hurricanes for the 2014–15 season.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Michael |title=Canes Set for Training Camp |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/canes-set-for-training-camp/c-730907 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=18 September 2014}} During a game against the New York Rangers, Sekera tripped over Cam Ward's outstretched pad and went headfirst into the end boards. As such, he remained out of the lineup for one game.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Michael |title=Sekera Fortunate to Escape Serious Injury |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/sekera-fortunate-to-escape-serious-injury/c-734797 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=16 October 2014}} He missed a second game later in the season after blocking a shot during a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Michael |title=Gameday: Capitals vs. Hurricanes |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/gameday-capitals-vs-hurricanes/c-742257 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=4 December 2014}} By February 2015, Sekera had recorded two goals and 17 assists in 57 games{{cite web |title=Kings acquire D Sekera from Hurricanes |url=https://www.tsn.ca/kings-acquire-d-sekera-from-hurricanes-1.216135 |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=25 February 2015}} and was ranked high as possible trade bait.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Top 15 targets for the 2015 NHL Trade Deadline |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/top-15-targets-for-the-2015-nhl-trade-deadline/c-754576 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=23 February 2015}} He was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a conditional first-round draft pick and defensive prospect Roland McKeown on 25 February.{{cite web |title=Kings acquire D Sekera from Hurricanes |url=https://www.tsn.ca/kings-acquire-d-sekera-from-hurricanes-1.216135 |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=25 February 2015}}

==Los Angeles Kings==

Sekera's tenure with the Kings only lasted to the conclusion of the 2014–15 season. Upon joining the team, he recorded a goal and three assists through 16 games.{{cite web |last1=Wescott |first1=Chris |title=Oilers agree to terms with Sekera |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/blog-oilers-agree-to-terms-with-sekera/c-40464 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=1 July 2015}}

==Edmonton Oilers==

On 1 July 2015, Sekera left the Los Angeles Kings to sign a six-year, $33 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Following the signing, he became second-most experienced defenceman on the Oilers, behind Andrew Ference who had played 901 NHL games at the time. As such, he stated he wished to be a quiet leader for the team on and off the ice.{{cite web |last1=Wescott |first1=Chris |title=Sekera ready to be quiet leader |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/sekera-ready-to-be-quiet-leader/c-773543 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=1 July 2015}} Sekera began the season playing with Mark Fayne{{cite web |last1=Wescott |first1=Chris |title=FIVE THINGS: Oilers finalize roster |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/five-things-oilers-finalize-roster/c-781724 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=5 October 2015}} and skated on the teams' second power play unit.{{cite web |last1=Champa |first1=Marc |title=Oilers shake up power play units |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/blog-oilers-shake-up-power-play-units/c-41959 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=16 October 2015}} He was soon moved to play on the top defensive pair with Darnell Nurse{{cite web |last1=Champa |first1=Marc |title=PRE-GAME REPORT: Oilers at Ducks |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/pre-game-report-oilers-at-ducks/c-787475 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=11 November 2015}} and the pair ranked in the top three of average ice time by January.{{cite web |last1=Wescott |first1=Chris |title=FIVE THINGS: The Halfway Point |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/five-things-the-halfway-point/c-796087 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=5 January 2016}} At the end of his first season with the club, Sekera recorded six goals and 30 points in a career-high 81 games.

During the 2016 off-season, the Oilers signed Kris Russell to add another veteran defenceman to their blueline.{{cite web |last1=Van Diest |first1=Derek |title=Season Preview: Edmonton Oilers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/season-preview-edmonton-oilers/c-282320874 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=8 October 2016}} Following the addition of Russell, Sekera was moved to the left wing to test Russell on the right.{{cite web |last1=Tilley |first1=Meg |last2=Ciampa |first2=Marc |title=PREVIEW: Oilers vs. Canucks |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/preview-oilers-vs-canucks/c-282488026 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=8 October 2016}} He finished the 2016–17 season with a career-high eight goals and 35 points in 80 games as the Oilers qualified for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs. However, during Game 5 against the Anaheim Ducks Sekera suffered a season-ending torn ACL.{{cite web |title=Oilers' Andrej Sekera out 6-9 months with torn ACL |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/oilers-andrej-sekera-6-9-months-torn-acl/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=16 May 2017}} In spite of his injuries, Sekera tallied eight points in 32 games for the Oilers.

Sekera continued to heal from his torn ACL during the 2017 off-season and made his 2017–18 season debut on 22 December in a 3–2 win over the St. Louis Blues.{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Tim |title=Sekera return provides boost on, off ice for Oilers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/andrej-sekera-return-boosts-edmonton-oilers/c-294285996 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=22 December 2017}} However, his return to the lineup was shortlived as he was placed on injured reserve in February 2018 after taking a puck to the face during a game against the Anaheim Ducks.{{cite news |title=Edmonton Oilers place Andrej Sekera on injured reserve |url=https://edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-place-andrej-sekera-on-injured-reserve |access-date=16 November 2021 |publisher=Edmonton Sun |date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214195015/https://edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-place-andrej-sekera-on-injured-reserve |archive-date=14 February 2018}} He was activated off injured reserve on 24 February and placed on the third defensive pairing with Matt Benning.{{cite web |last1=Frankson |first1=Ryan |last2=Ciampa |first2=Marc |title=MORNING SKATE REPORT: Oilers at Kings |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/preview-oilers-at-kings-0957-february-24-2018/c-296301622 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=24 February 2018}}

During the 2018 off-season, Sekera injured his Achilles tendon while training and was set to be out indefinitely.{{cite web |title=Sekera out indefinitely for Oilers with torn Achilles tendon |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/andrej-sekera-out-for-edmonton-oilers-with-torn-achilles/c-299760910 |website=NHL.com |access-date=15 August 2018 |date=14 August 2018}} In the 2018–19 season, following a lengthy rehab, Sekera returned to play on a conditioning assignment with AHL affiliate the Bakersfield Condors, on 5 February 2019.{{cite news| url = https://edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/good-times-are-rolling-during-andrej-sekeras-bakersfield-rehab | title = Good times are rolling during Andrej Sekera's Bakersfield rehab | newspaper = Edmonton Sun | date = 12 February 2019 | access-date = 12 February 2019}} After five games, Sekera returned to the Oilers and made his first appearance with Edmonton in over a year, playing a third-pairing defensive role against the Arizona Coyotes on 19 February 2019.{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/andrej-sekera-oilers-sam-gagner-achilles-heel-1.5025331 | title = Oilers defenseman Sekera takes return to lineup in stride | publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | date = 19 February 2019 | access-date = 19 February 2019}} Sekera played out the season with the Oilers to finish with 4 assists in 24 games.

Having been limited to just 60 regular season games over the previous two seasons, Sekera's tenure with Edmonton ended as he was placed on unconditional waivers by the Oilers in order to buy out the remaining two years of his initial six-year contract on 30 June 2019.{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/sports/nhl-notebook-063019-1.5195320 | title = Oilers clear cap space with buyout of Andrej Sekera | publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | date = 30 June 2019 | access-date = 30 June 2019}}

==Dallas Stars==

On 1 July 2019, Sekera was signed as a free agent to a one-year $1.5 million contract with the Dallas Stars.{{cite web |title=Stars sign defenseman Andrej Sekera to 1-year contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-sign-defenseman-andrej-sekera-to-1-year-contract/c-308142736 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=1 July 2019}} Following the signing, Sekera was praised by coach Jim Montgomery for being "a top-two or top-four (defenseman) in the NHL" and "a guy who has been leaned upon by a lot of coaches."{{cite web |last1=Heika |first1=Mike |title=Perry, Sekera ready to 'prove people wrong' with Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/corey-perry-andrej-sekera-ready-to-prove-doubters-wrong-with-dallas-stars/c-308170282 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=2 July 2019}} During the pre-season, Sekera was placed on a defensive pairing with Miro Heiskanen after impressing Montgomery with his puck-handling and decision-making skills.{{cite web |last1=Heika |first1=Mike |title=Stars hope Sekera can be happy surprise this season |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-hope-dallas-sekera-can-be-happy-surprise-this-season/c-309141918 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=14 September 2019}} He played in three games with the Stars before suffering a shoulder injury during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and was helped off of the ice.{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=John |title=Murray makes 25 saves, Penguins shut out Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-dallas-stars-game-recap/c-310524692 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=27 October 2019}} He subsequently missed four games with overall body soreness before returning to the lineup as a replacement for an injured John Klingberg. While he was recovering, Heiskanen was paired with Jamie Oleksiak so Montgomery paired Sekera with Esa Lindell.{{cite web |last1=Heika |first1=Mike |title=Stars' depth to be tested again as Sekera steps in for injured Klingberg |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/with-john-klingberg-out-andrej-sekera-returning-dallas-stars-defensive-depth-to-be-tested/c-311081608 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=9 November 2019}} Adding a veteran presence to the Stars' third pairing on the blueline, Sekera appeared in 57 games in the 2019–20 season and posted two goals and six assists. While playing a bottom six role,{{cite web |last1=Heika |first1=Mike |title=Defensemen stepping up as rest of Stars get their game going |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/defensemen-stepping-up-as-rest-of-dallas-stars-get-their-game-going/c-318709408 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=23 August 2020}} Sekera and the Stars push for a deep run in the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. During the Final series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sekera blocked a shot in the first period in Game 5 and left the ice until overtime.{{cite web |last1=Heika |first1=Mike |title=Stars' winning line in Game 5 pieced together from injuries |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-tampa-bay-lightning-stanley-cup-final-game-5-notebook/c-319207728 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=27 September 2020}} In the playoffs, Sekera appeared in a career high 27 postseason games, adding one assist, in helping the Stars reach the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals.

On 4 October 2020, Sekera signed a two-year, $3 million contract extension that carries an annual salary cap hit of $1.5 million to remain with the Stars.{{cite web |title=Stars ink D Sekera to 2-year, $3M deal |url=https://www.tsn.ca/dallas-stars-sign-d-andrej-sekera-to-two-year-3m-deal-1.1534213 |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=4 October 2020}} Once the NHL resumed play, Sekera played in the Stars' 4-1 loss to the Hurricanes before being placed on the NHL's COVID list.{{cite web |title=Devils' Palmieri, Vatanen, Stars' Sekera added to NHL's COVID list |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/devils-palmieri-vatanen-stars-sekera-added-nhls-covid-list/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=31 January 2021}} As the Stars pushed to qualify for the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, Sekera was struck by a puck and named a game-time decision for the following game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.{{cite web |last1=Heika |first1=Mike |title=Return of Sekera could shuffle deck for Stars on defense |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-columbus-blue-jackets-game-preview-april-15/c-323680798 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=15 April 2021}} He finished the 2020–21 season with five points and a plus-12 rating in 46 games.

Sekera returned to the Stars to compete in the 2021–22 season{{cite web |last1=Shohara |first1=Kyle |title=Get to know your Stars: Meet the 2021-22 opening night roster |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/get-to-know-your-dallas-stars-meet-the-2021-22-opening-night-roster/c-326785016 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=13 October 2021}} but remained a healthy scratch for the first few games. However, as a result of their slow start, Sekera, Jacob Peterson, and Riley Tufte were placed into the lineup as a replacement for Blake Comeau, Joel Kiviranta, and Thomas Harley on 14 November. During his first game back into the lineup, the Stars won their first game within 60 minutes of regulation.{{cite web |last1=Heika |first1=Mike |title=Heika's Take: The Stars earned their 5-2 victory against Philly |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-philadelphia-flyers-mike-heika-postgame-column-november-13/c-327860602 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=15 November 2021 |date=14 November 2021}}

International play

File:Slovakia2010WinterOlympicscelebration.jpg.]]

As a citizen of Slovakia, Sekera has represented his home country at both the junior and senior international levels. He represented Slovakia for the first time at the 2004 IIHF World U18 Championships. Following this, he competed with Slovakia at the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and captained their 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships team.{{cite web |last1=Sundheim |first1=Mike |title=Going for Gold |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/going-for-gold/c-704403 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=9 February 2014}}

Sekera was promoted to Slovakia's senior team for the first time at the 2008 IIHF World Championship. He earned his first point of the tournament, an assist, to help Slovakia win their first game in the relegation round.{{cite web |last1=Oleksy |first1=David |title=Sekera gets first point; Afinogenov Shines |url=https://www.diebytheblade.com/platform/amp/2008/5/9/212436/0325 |publisher=Die By the Blade |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=9 May 2008}} He returned to the senior national team for the 2009 IIHF World Championship, where he finished with two points in 10 games as Slovakia failed to qualify to the next round.{{cite web |title=2009 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/2009-iihf-world-championships/c-438505 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=22 April 2009}} Following another unsuccessful tournament, Sekera was named to Slovakia's 2010 Winter Olympics roster for the first time and competed at the 2010 IIHF World Championship. After failing to medal at all international tournaments, Sekera and the Slovakian national team won a silver medal at the 2012 IIHF World Championship. During the tournament, Sekera tallied nine points which tied for second-best among tournament defenders.{{cite web |title=Can Slovakia surprise again? |url=http://webarchive.iihf.com/competition/352/news/news-singleview-2013/indexbead.html?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=7764&cHash=aa05f6c4f3ff099ad10e74842a3604ff |publisher=IIHF |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=2 May 2013}}

Sekera returned to the Olympic stage in 2014. He played with Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara throughout the tournament as Slovakia's top pairing but the team failed to medal.{{cite web |last1=Herrmann |first1=Wes |title=Andrej Sekera Has Rough Olympic Tournament |date=20 February 2014 |url=https://cardiaccane.com/2014/02/20/andrej-sekera-rough-olympic-tournament/ |publisher=Cardiac Cane |access-date=16 November 2021}} Two years later, Sekera won another silver medal with Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.{{cite web |title=Canada beats Europe 2-1 to win World Cup of Hockey 2016 |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/2973937/canada-beats-europe-2-1-to-win-world-cup-of-hockey-2016/ |publisher=Global News |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=29 September 2016}} On 8 October 2021, Sekera was named to Slovakia's 2022 Winter Olympics roster.{{cite web |last1=Shohara |first1=Kyle |title=Andrej Sekera named to Slovakia Olympic roster |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-defenseman-andrej-sekera-named-to-slovakia-olympic-roster/c-326683028 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=8 October 2021}}

Personal life

Sekera and his wife Katarina have one child together.{{Cite tweet|user=EdmontonOilers|number=1079466604591689728|date=30 December 2018|title=Congrats to #Oilers defenceman Andrej Sekera & his wife Katarina who welcomed baby boy Marko to the world at 11:40pm last night! The little man checked in at 21 inches & 7.5 pounds. 👶}}

Career statistics

=Regular season and playoffs=

border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em"
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff" \| ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" \| ! colspan="5" \| Regular season ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" \| ! colspan="5" \| Playoffs
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM
2001–02	Dukla Trenčín	SVK U20	52	5	10	15	10	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2002–03	Dukla Trenčín	SVK U20	48	9	15	24	20	—	—	—	—	—
2003–04	Dukla Trenčín	SVK U18	3	0	0	0	2	5	2	3	5	2
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2003–04	Dukla Trenčín	SVK U20	45	5	12	17	16	2	0	1	1	4
2003–04	Dukla Trenčín II	SVK.2	5	0	0	0	0	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2003–04	Dukla Trenčín	SVK	3	0	0	0	2	—	—	—	—	—
2004–05	Owen Sound Attack	OHL	52	7	21	28	18	6	0	4	4	4
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2005–06	Owen Sound Attack	OHL	51	21	34	55	54	11	5	8	13	9
2006–07	Rochester Americans	AHL	54	3	16	19	28	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2006–07	Buffalo Sabres	NHL	2	0	0	0	2	—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	Rochester Americans	AHL	40	2	15	17	22	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2007–08	Buffalo Sabres	NHL	37	2	6	8	16	—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	Buffalo Sabres	NHL	69	3	16	19	22	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2009–10	Buffalo Sabres	NHL	49	4	7	11	6	6	0	0	0	7
2010–11	Buffalo Sabres	NHL	76	3	26	29	34	2	1	0	1	4
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2011–12	Buffalo Sabres	NHL	69	3	10	13	18	—	—	—	—	—
2012–13	Slovan Bratislava	KHL	25	3	9	12	8	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2012–13	Buffalo Sabres	NHL	37	2	10	12	4	—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL	74	11	33	44	20	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2014–15	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL	57	2	17	19	8	—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	16	1	3	4	6	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2015–16	Edmonton Oilers	NHL	81	6	24	30	12	—	—	—	—	—
2016–17	Edmonton Oilers	NHL	80	8	27	35	18	11	1	2	3	2
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2017–18	Edmonton Oilers	NHL	36	0	8	8	6	—	—	—	—	—
2018–19	Bakersfield Condors	AHL	5	0	2	2	2	—	—	—	—	—
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2018–19	Edmonton Oilers	NHL	24	0	4	4	6	—	—	—	—	—
2019–20	Dallas Stars	NHL	57	2	6	8	14	27	0	1	1	0
style="background:#f0f0f0;" \| 2020–21	Dallas Stars	NHL	46	3	2	5	4	—	—	—	—	—
2021–22	Dallas Stars	NHL	32	1	3	4	16 \| —	—	—	—	—
style="background:#e0e0e0;" ! colspan="3" \| NHL totals ! 842 ! 51 ! 202 ! 253 ! 212 ! 46 ! 2 ! 3 ! 5 ! 13