Blackhawks, Kings reportedly among teams most interested in trading for Sekera

The Andrej Sekera sweepstakes are heating right up.

The Carolina Hurricanes defenseman has become arguably the most sought-after trade target in advance of Monday's deadline, and the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings have emerged as two of the most interested suitors, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.

The 28-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, and his current contract carries a very manageable $2.75-million cap hit.

While his numbers are down from last season, Sekera is seen as a potential difference-maker for a contending team, a perspective validated by the apparent hot pursuit of arguably the two best teams in hockey.

For his career, Sekera is averaging 0.33 points per game, and he ranks second among Hurricanes defensemen with a plus-122 in shot attempts, according to the NHL's new enhanced stats.