Andrej Sekera, Oilers Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Edmonton Oilers made a splash on the first day of NHL free agency in locking up defenseman Andrej Sekera to a six-year deal.

Financial details of Sekera's contract weren't specified in the Oilers' announcement of the agreement Wednesday, but Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail reports Sekera's new deal is worth $33 million.

Sportsnet's Jonathan Willis believes the Oilers did well to land Sekera for the price they did:

"

Incidentally, that Sekera deal isn't an overpay. Very reasonable money for probably best UFA D on the market. Great signing by the #Oilers

— Jonathan Willis (@JonathanWillis) July 1, 2015"

Hockey reporter Adam Proteau points out another interesting fact about Sekera's apparent, strong commitment to Edmonton:

Sekera spent 16 games with the Los Angeles Kings last season when he was traded by the Carolina Hurricanes. Before then, the 29-year-old veteran had gotten his start with the Buffalo Sabres.

There's no denying Sekera has the talent to command such a sizable salary. Now it's up to him to hold down the blue line for an Oilers club that allowed the most goals in the NHL in 2014-15.

When he does push up to help on the attack, Sekera has proved to be quite effective. With a supporting cast flanking him that should improve over time, led by recent No. 1 overall draft pick Connor McDavid, Edmonton's outlook appears more promising heading into a new era under coach Todd McLellan.

The historic Oilers franchise's proud tradition that fostered the beginning of Wayne Gretzky's career has seen the club falter in recent years, missing the playoffs in each of the past nine seasons. Signing Sekera is a big step in the right direction for an eventual postseason return.