NHL Trade Deadline 2015: Top 5 Players the Penguins Should Target

2. Andrej Sekera

Jan 8, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Andrej Sekera (4) looks on before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Sabres 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Another Cane that could make his way to Pittsburgh is defenseman Andrej Sekera.

The veteran blue-liner is a reliable puck-moving defenseman who can log big minutes, block a ton of shots, and rack up some decent points (he put up 44 last season and has 18 at the moment).

Sekera could prove to be a decent temporary replacement for the injured Olli Maatta and considering he’s a UFA after this season, it wouldn’t cost a great deal to bring him to town.

As with Tlusty, Pens GM Jim Rutherford‘s ties to Carolina could prove valuable in getting a deal done, and in not giving up anything too hefty to land Sekera. A decent pick and a defensive prospect would most likely do the trick.

Sekera has enough skill to not only help stabilize the team’s back end, but to contribute offensively as well. If Christian Ehrhoff remains sidelined with his concussion-like symptoms, Sekera could be a good option to fill in on the second pairing.

If the Pens brass are wary of playing young Derrick Pouliot during the postseason, then adding in Sekera could give them the veteran experience they’re looking for.

Sekera carries an annual salary of $2.75 million, so a move by Pittsburgh would require some additional work in terms of creating cap space.

However, the move could be well worth it as the 28-year-old defenseman is just now entering the prime of his career.