News:Andrej Sekera (upper body) picked up an assist in Saturday's overtime loss to the Caps.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera now has points in back-to-back games since his return from an upper-body injury and six points overall in as many contests since March 7.
News:Andrej Sekera (upper body) won't play Tuesday against the Lightning, the Sabres' official site reports.
Analysis: Coach Ron Rolston said that Andrej Sekera is "real close" to a return, but for now, Mark Pysyk will continue to see added work on the Buffalo blue line.
News:Andrej Sekera (upper body) will not play Saturday against the Canadiens.
Analysis: The ailment will force Andrej Sekera to miss another game, but he's been able to skate in recent days and appears to be inching closer to a return.
News:Andrej Sekera (upper body) is out for Thursday's game against Toronto, the Sabres' official site reports.
Analysis: Though Andrej Sekera took part in Thursday's morning skate, he will miss his third straight game Thursday. He remains day-to-day as Saturday's game against Montreal approaches.
News: Though Andrej Sekera (upper body) hasn't been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Leafs, a weekend return seems more likely, wgr550.com reports.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera, who has missed the Sabres' last two games, had racked up four points in the four games he played in prior to his injury, bringing his season total to eight points in 22 games overall.
News:Andrej Sekera (upper body) is out for Sunday's game against the Capitals.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera could return for Tuesday's game against Montreal. Consider him day-to-day.
Sabres' Sekera Being Evaluated For Upper Body Injury
News:Andrej Sekera was being evaluated for an upper body injury after Saturday's loss to the Senators, WGR550.com reports.
Analysis: It's uncertain what's ailing Andrej Sekera, but more information may become available after the team has completed its evaluation. He was able to return to the bench after leaving for a short period Saturday.
News:Andrej Sekera picked up two assists and went plus-3 Tuesday against the Rangers, giving him a three-game points streak.
Analysis: The streak's been comprised solely of assists -- four in all -- but those who happen to own Andrej Sekera in fantasy aren't complaining. His value is limited to the deepest of leagues.
News:Andrej Sekera, who was day-to-day after leaving Thursday's game with an undisclosed injury, was able to play Sunday after being doubtful heading into the contest.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera logged an assist and skated for 23:19, so it appears he should be fine going forward. The seventh-year blueliner now has six points in 20 games this season, though he continues to see very little power play time.
News:Andrej Sekera (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's game, Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Consider Andrej Sekera day-to-day with the undisclosed injury. Jordan Leopold, who has been out since Feb. 21, will return and fill in for Sekera on Sunday.
News:Andrej Sekera is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Flyers, WGR550.com reports.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera's day-to-day after leaving Thursday's game with an undisclosed injury. He downplayed the severity of the ailment, so while Sekera is unlikely for Sunday, there's a chance he goes Tuesday against the Rangers.
News: Sekere (upper leg) played 23:43 -- including 3:46 on the power play -- and was minus-2 with three shots on goal Saturday against the Islanders.
Analysis: After a three-game absence, Andrej Sekera appears to be healthy and ready to chew up a large supply of minutes on the Sabres' blue line again.
News:Andrej Sekera left Friday's game in the third period with what coach Lindy Ruff described as a charley horse, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Ruff thinks Andrej Sekera will miss some time, so he seems doubtful for Sunday's matinee against the Penguins. The Sabres haven't been playing too well this season so far, but one of their strengths is they run fairly deep on the blue line.
News:Andrej Sekera (ankle) saw 24:56 worth of ice time in Saturday's win over the Islanders.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera had missed three straight games, but he was turned loose in his return, with Jordan Leopold and Christian Ehrhoff being the only Sabres who saw more ice time than Sekera did on Saturday.
News:Andrej Sekera (lower body) practiced fully Friday, Paul Hamilton of WGR 550 reports. Coach Lindy Ruff said, "He's a lot closer. I think tomorrow if he says he's ready it puts us in a position where we can put him back in."
Analysis:Andrej Sekera does not have any more pain from his injury and is ready to return to the lineup. All signs say that Sekera will be in the lineup Saturday against the Islanders.
News:Andrej Sekera, who's missed the last three games with an ankle injury, took the morning skate fully Thursday but did not play in the evening win over the Canadiens, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Coach Lindy Ruff thinks Andrej Sekera could play this weekend, as the Sabres' blue line seems to getting back to better health with Christian Ehrhoff returning Thursday and both Sekera and Robyn Regehr being close.
News:Andrej Sekera (lower body) has been limited to elliptical work during practices, the Buffalo News reports.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera traveled with the team for its game in Ottawa on Tuesday in hopes of returning, but it looks like he won't be available. He remains day-to-day and could play Thursday for a home date against Montreal.
News:Andrej Sekera (lower body) will not play Sunday against the Panthers, Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: The 26-year-old defenseman left Saturday's game early after blocking a shot, and he will not be in action against Florida. Consider Andrej Sekera day-to-day for now.
Sabres' Sekera (Lower Body) Leaves Saturday's Game
News:Andrej Sekera left Saturday's game after suffering a lower body injury and will not return.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera left the ice after getting hurt in the first period, and although he was able to return later on, he did not come out for the second period. Consider him day-to-day until more information is available.
News:Andrej Sekera will suit up for Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia during the NHL lockout, the team's official website reports.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera registered 13 points in 69 games for the Sabres last season and will return to his home country until the stalemate between the owners and the NHLPA is resolved.
News:Andrej Sekera will play Saturday against the Panthers after missing five games with pneumonia, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera isn't a big scorer with just 13 points on the season, but his all-around play had been strong before the illness and the Sabres, trying to sneak a final playoff spot, will welcome his return at a time when fellow blueliner Tyler Myers is serving a suspension.
News:Andrej Sekera (illness) participated in a full practice Friday and hopes to play Saturday against Florida, WGR 550 Buffalo reports
Analysis: "I felt pretty good today so if it will continue, I'll be back in a couple of days," Andrej Sekera said Friday. The young defenseman said he was reduced to a shell of himself during his bout with pneumonia, but is reportedly feeling better. He added about Saturday's game, "I will see how I feel in the morning, but I want to play."
News:Andrej Sekera (illness) was on the ice Wednesday, albeit in a no-contact jersey, reports The Buffalo News.
Analysis: He's dealing with a case of pneumonia that has caused him to miss four games, but this is clearly a step in the right direction. Andrej Sekera's 13 points this season won't help your fantasy team, but the Sabres need him back in the lineup as soon as possible.
News:Andrej Sekera has been diagnosed with pneumonia, reports Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.
Analysis: He's already missed three games and it doesn't look like he'll be back any time soon now that his condition has worsened.
News:Andrej Sekera's illness has worsened and he did not travel with the team to Ottawa, reports Sabres.com.
Analysis: It's undetermined whether Andrej Sekera simply has a bad case of the flu or if it's something bigger. His offensive output has taken a dip this season, likely due to the arrival of Christian Ehrhoff. He has just 13 points after posting a career-high 29 in 2010-11.
News:Andrej Sekera will not play Thursday against the Bruins, according to the Sabres' official Twitter feed.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera remains in the day-to-day category leading up to Saturday's game against Ottawa.
News:Andrej Sekera, scratched from Wednesday's game against Carolina, is suffering from flu-like symptoms, according to the Sabres' radio broadcast.
Analysis: The Sabres are right back at it Thursday in Boston, so we imagine that's not a fun two-day period for a guy suffering from an illness. Consider Andrej Sekera questionable for that.
News:Andrej Sekera will not play Wednesday against the Hurricanes, according to the Sabres' official Twitter feed.
Analysis: No word if there's an injury in play here, but Andrej Sekera was a minus-2 in Monday's loss to the Jets in a game the Sabres really needed as they try to gain a final playoff spot, so that could be the culprit. Newcomer Alexander Sulzer, acquired in a deadline day deal with the Canucks, will take Sekera's place in the lineup.
News:Andrej Sekera had gone 21 games without a goal before lighting the lamp Friday in the Sabres' 2-1 shootout victory over the Bruins.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera's offensive production has stalled after putting up a career-high 29 points in 2010-11. He has just 11 points this season and will not add much value in fantasy leagues.
Sekera Comes Out Of Slumber In Sabres Win Over Bruins
News:Andrej Sekera logged two assists in Wednesday's 6-0 defeat of the Bruins.
Analysis:Andrej Sekera had been in a wretched 12 game pointless skid heading into Wednesday's clash with Buffalo's bitter rivals from Boston. Overall, still a very disappointing season for Sekera, who only has two goals and eight assists in 45 games.
News:Andrej Sekera (head) played 23:59 while blocking three shots and finishing minus-1 in his return to the lineup Monday.
Analysis: He's an important piece for Buffalo, but his lack of offensive prowess makes his return something of a moot point for fantasy owners short of any effect his play might have toward helping the team's goaltenders in the defensive zone.
News:Andrej Sekera (head) confirmed the he will return to action Monday against the Red Wings, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News
Analysis: The report adds that Andrej Sekera's return is likely to lead to Joe Finley being scratched Monday.
News: Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News speculates that Andrej Sekera (head) will play Monday against the Red Wings.
Analysis: That has yet to be confirmed, one way or the other, but either way, it looks like Andrej Sekera's return could be close.
News:Andrej Sekera (head) was on the ice in a non-contact jersey Monday, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: It's unclear when Andrej Sekera, who last suited up Dec. 28, might return to game action, but Monday's presence on the ice is a step in the right direction for him, at least.
News: Buffalo head coach Lindy Ruff said he expects Andrej Sekera to miss weeks after the defenseman left Wednesday night's game with an apparent head injury, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Every indicator sounds like it's a pretty sever concussion. This complicates an already messy situation with Tyler Myers still out injured. A depleted defensive corps just takes another shot with a tough stretch ahead for Buffalo.
News:Andrej Sekera left Wednesday's game with an upper body injury and will not return, the Sabres' official site reports.
Analysis: The extent of Andrej Sekera's injury is unknown beyond Wednesday's game. Consider him day-to-day for now.
News: Through 14 games, Andrej Sekera has just one goal and four points after putting up 29 last season. His all-around performance has been spotty and he saw just 15:58 of ice time in Tuesday's win over Winnipeg.
Analysis: The Sabres made some good blue line pickups in the offseason and they seem to have shoved Andrej Sekera out of some responsibilities, the most important being power play time. He saw 2:06 per game on the PP last season, but is getting just 21 seconds per this campaign. Unless someone gets hurt or things change, he's not really worth owning right now other than very deep leagues.
News: At 25, Andrej Sekera is perched for a make or break season this year in Buffalo, and should be considered a definite sleeper candidate in fantasy leagues.
Analysis: At times last season Andrej Sekera looked brilliant, and at times he was so lost that he was a healthy scratch. With the new veteran depth on the blue line in Buffalo, it's hard to see Sekera not having a nice bump in his offensive production and continued growth. Time on the second powerplay unit also helps his stock rise exponentially.
News: The Sabres have re-signed Sekera to a multi-year contract, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Sekera is coming off a season in which he notched 29 points (three goals, 26 assists) in 76 games, numbers which make him of interest to owners in deeper leagues. There was some thought the Sabres might let him go after some big free agent signings for their blue line, but they'll keep Sekera and remain even deeper.
News: Sekera could be the odd man out on the blue line after the Sabres added Christian Ehrhoff and Robyn Regehr last week and penned Mike Weber to a contract extension on Monday.
Analysis: On top of Ehrhoff, Regehr and Weber, Buffalo has Tyler Myers, Jordan Leopold, Shaone Morrisonn and the emerging Marc-Andre Gragnani on the roster. It should be interesting to watch Sekera battle to reclaim a spot in the Sabres' top six.
News: Sekera (upper body) returned to play in the series-deciding loss to the Flyers on Tuesday. He skated for 21:21 with an even rating.
Analysis: Sekera didn't make nearly the mark in the postseason -- one point in two games -- that he did in an impressive 29-point regular season. Injuries hit him down the stretch, and he had a particularly rough outing in the Game 2 loss to the Flyers. He'll have all offseason to rest some of the bumps and bruises.
News: Sekera (upper body) will not play in Game 4 on Wednesday, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Although the Sabres could use Sekera and his scoring presence in the lineup, they did get some of that back with the early return of Jordan Leopold, and the continued emergence of Marc-Andre Gragnani. Plus, Sekera was pretty awful in the one game he did play in this series.
News: Sekera (upper body) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Philadelphia, Sabres.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: The recent return of Jordan Leopold limits the damage of Sekera's absence.
News: Jordan Leopold (hand) is on the ice for pre-game warmups and fellow blueliner Sekera is not, meaning it looks like Leopold will return to action for the first time since March 25, while Sekera will sit Monday's game, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Sekera did take a shot to the ribs in Game 2, but his play on the ice was also horrible, so he also could be the odd-man out with Leopold's return. In any matter, make sure you pull Sekera from your Monday playoff lineup if your league format allows you to do so.
News: Sekera (upper body) was able to play in Saturday's Game 2 loss to Philadelphia after being a game-time decision, skating a modest 11:15.
Analysis: He scored a goal to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead at one point, but the rest of the evening did not go well for Sekera at all, as he was on the ice for four Philadelphia goals and took two penalties. Nevertheless, Sekera's ice time will likely increase as the series wears on now that he's that much closer to full strength.
News: Without a morning skate because of an early start time to Game 2 on Saturday, a decision on Sekera (upper body) will likely be made after the pregame skate.
Analysis: As a precaution, the Sabres have called up defenseman Dennis Persson from AHL Portland on an emergency basis.
News: Sekera (upper body) practiced Friday, WGR550 reports.
Analysis: It's not known what Sekera's status might be for Game 2, but it's worth noting that he was originally hoping to be active for Game 1.
News: Sekera missed Game 1 of the Buffalo-Philadelphia series as he continues to struggle with an upper body injury.
Analysis: The blueliner was leaning toward playing after practicing this week, but it didn't happen. One might look at the 1-0 score and think the Sabres were fine without him, but they did allow 35 shots, plus a team like Philly has the ability to grind an opponent down over a series, so the Sabres could really use one of their key regulars back at some point. Some of Buffalo's younger blueliners really stepped up Thursday, but they also lacked some consistency across the group of six.
News: Sekera (upper body) skated at Wednesday's practice and is cautiously optimistic he'll be in the lineup for Game 1 on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: At this point, we're guessing Sekera will be out there for the start of the series, but if you're drafting Wednesday, he does come with a little more risk than say, a healthy Tyler Myers.
News: Sekera (upper body) was back on the practice ice Tuesday after sitting out of Monday's workout, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: Sekera had a nice hot streak late in the season offensively, but things tighten up in the playoffs, and Sekera won't be taking as many chances offensively as he would take in the regular season. With that said, if you think the Sabres can make it past Philadelphia, Sekera is a nice, inexpensive option on defense for your playoff pool.
News: Sekera didn't practice Monday because of an upper-body injury, but he worked out on his own and might be able to skate Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Sabres don't open up their series until Wednesday, so that gives Sekera an extra day to heal up vs. some of the other series. Fellow blueliner Jordan Leopold's status appears iffier, so it'd be nice for the Sabres if Sekera is close to 100 percent for Game 1. Sekera went on a huge run over his last 20 games with 15 points, and finished with a career-high 29 for the season.
News: Sekera was a scratch for the Sabres on Friday due to an upper-body injury, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: More specifically, coach Lindy Ruff said Sekera strained a muscle shooting in practice this week. He's listed as day-to-day, so we'll consider him questionable for Buffalo's season finale Saturday, where the Sabres are already locked into the playoffs and can only improve their seeding.
News: Sekera has an astounding 10 points in his last five games.
Analysis: Sekera has never had a streak like this; in fact, his total of the last five games is one point shy of what he did in 49 games this season. The offensive talent is actually there because he was a scorer in juniors and at the AHL level and was always good with the puck, but he's had his ups and downs in the NHL and has always seemed timid offensively or asked to do other things. Right now, he's on an incredible "up," and has been very aggressive since a healthy scratch February 20. He won't keep it up forever, but there may be some points to be had for you while he's being asked to contribute offensively.
News: Sekera scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: He stepped up large in the absence of injured defender Jordan Leopold. Sekera has significant talent but he had, in a word, scuffled this season. It remains to be seen how long Leopold might be out; this could be Sekera's big opportunity.
News: Sekera, who has gone 19 games without a point, was a healthy scratch for Sunday's loss to Washington, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: That last sentence tells you all you need to know about his value. The Sabres, who just got a new owner, are playing themselves out of playoff position (three straight losses, all at home), so messages like this will continue to be sent.
News: Sekera, who has played in 50 of the 51 games this season for the Sabres and is averaging 20:49 of ice time (third among blueliners), hasn't registered a point in 13 games, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Sekera has a modest one goal and 12 points on the season, and his power play ice time is also behind a couple of other Buffalo blueliners. He's been paired with Tyler Myers so the offense could start up again at any time, but given that he's never hit the 20-point mark and he's in a big offensive slump, you should probably go with better options to fill out your blue line for the short term.
News: Sekera (hand) played Friday night after reports that he would sit out, and appears fully healthy.
Analysis: Sekera's presence in the lineup meant veteran Craig Rivet was a surprise healthy scratch. It's shaky to have Sekera in your lineup because coach Lindy Ruff appears to be so disappointed by his team's performance that he is in full-blown juggling mode.
News: Sekera (hand) remains day-to-day and his status for Friday night's game in Atlanta is still uncertain, according to the Sabres website.
Analysis: It's a good bet that Sekera will get the scratch Friday night however, with Shaone Morrisonn returning to the lineup on defense. The Sabres have two healthy defenders in Mike Weber and Chris Butler that wil make it easier for Lindy Ruff to give Sekera one more night off to heal his hand.
News: Sekera was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with an apparent hand injury, the Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Sekera has been diagnosed with an upper-body injury, but he was seen with an ice pack on his left hand after Wednesday's practice. It's unclear if the injury will keep Sekera out of Friday's game against the Thrashers as well, but consider him day-to-day for the time being.
News: Sekera, who has played the point for Buffalo on their second power-play unit, appears to have won the sixth defenseman job ahead of Friday night's season opener in Ottawa, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: Sekera has more offensive game than Chris Butler and Mike Weber, and that seems to have been the determining factor in coach Lindy Ruff's decision.
News: Sekera slapped home the first goal of Saturday's 3-1 preseason win over Toronto.
Analysis: Sekera is in a position battle with Mike Weber and Chris Butler early on in camp. Sekera definitely has more offensive upside than the other two, and they could just make the difference when Lindy Ruff decides who will dress night in and night out.
News: Sekera was part of Buffalo's fourth defensive pairing along with Mike Weber in coach Lindy Ruff's first crack at a lineup, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Sekera is pretty much a lock to make the team because Ruff said he wants to start the season with eight defensemen, but he'll be battling for a starting spot with Weber and Chris Butler until one of those three separates himself. Sekera has never hit the 20-point hurdle, so he really isn't worth your time even if he can sneak onto that third defensive pairing.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera scored a goal, tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 on Friday against the Hurricanes. Sekera tied it for Buffalo with 1:25 to go in the first, scoring his second goal in two games with a slap shot from the point. He has totaled four points in his last two games.
Analysis: Sekera has played only 31 games this season and has been a healthy scratch plenty. However, coach Lindy Ruff is making it a point to play Sekera more frequently, and if the Czech blueliner keeps scoring he will warrant the PT. Sekera remains a low-end Fantasy flier, but he is a player to keep tabs on.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Sabres' defense corps could look different on a game-to-game basis down the stretch. Buffalo has been carrying eight defensemen all season. Andrej Sekera and Nathan Paetsch were the healthy scratches the majority of the time, but coach Lindy Ruff wants to get a better rotation in the final months of the season. Sekera, a Slovakian Olympian, is the biggest beneficiary. He was scratched in 15 of 16 games but dressed and scored in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to Ottawa. "We've got to get him back into the lineup," Ruff said. "He's a guy that we need to use a little bit more often."
Analysis: Sekera has been a disappointing player for Buffalo after he showed a lot of promise early during the 2008-09 season. But it's good to see Buffalo wanting to put him back in the lineup and develop his game. He just has minimal Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera scored a goal and finished at minus-1 on Wednesday against the Senators. Sekera drove in from the right point and snapped a shot that sneaked under the crossbar. The goal came off a faceoff to the right of the Senators net after Brian Elliott made a brilliant glove save to foil Thomas Vanek from the slot. It was his third goal and first point in 10 games.
Analysis: Sekera played just once in January as he fell into coach Lindy Ruff's doghouse and couldn't get out. Sekera has been a disappointing player for Buffalo after he showed a lot of promise early during the 2008-09 season. Sekera has little Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera was a healthy scratch on Sunday against the Canadiens. He has not played since Dec. 27 and has been a healthy scratch for three games.
Analysis: Sekera was moved to forward after the Sabres' blue line got a little crowded, but when he failed to produce as a forward, Sekera went to the press box. He has definitely disappointed the Sabres and Fantasy owners after getting off to a hot start at the beginning of the 2008-09 season. His play has suffered for more than a year and now Buffalo isn't even playing him on a regular basis. Sekera has little Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Andrej Sekera, because of an injury to RW Drew Stafford, played forward for the first time in his career on Saturday against the Senators. He had one shot in 7:22.
Analysis: Sekera has only one point in 12 games this season and has been a very disappointing player for the Sabres since the second half of last season. He is likely not going to be a permanent fixture at forward and should probably be left alone in Fantasy until further notice.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera was in the lineup on Friday against the Flyers because of the flu. He failed to record a point in 17:45 of ice time and finished at minus-1. He has no points in six games this season.
Analysis: Sekera has spent most of the season on the injured list and has done very little with the ice time he has gotten. He is not on the brink of losing his job, but definitely needs to pick up the pace. Sekera has minimal Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Sabres D Andrej Sekera is questionable for Friday's game vs. Philadelphia with the flu. "We'll see how he's doing," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He was a little under the weather after the game (Wednesday) night and wasn't feeling that well [Thursday] morning. Flu-like, possibly."
Analysis: Sekera had a career-high 19 points in 2008-09, but is definitely an inconsistent Fantasy option. He has minimal appeal when at 100 percent.
News: Buffalo D Andrej Sekera was activated off the IR on Saturday for a 5-0 loss to the Islanders. He obviously did not record a point in the game, taking three shots.
Analysis: Sekera had a career-high 19 points in 2008-09, but he did his best work alongside Jaroslav Spacek, who is now in Montreal. Sekera is a regular blueliner for the Sabres, but is definitely an inconsistent Fantasy option. He has minimal appeal now that he is back in action.
News: The Sabres have placed D Andrej Sekera (ribs) on injured reserve.
Analysis: Sekera had a career-high 19 points in 2008-09, but he did his best work alongside Jaroslav Spacek, who is now in Montreal. Sekera is a regular blueliner for the Sabres, but is definitely an inconsistent Fantasy option. He has minimal appeal when healthy.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera will miss at least two weeks because of a rib injury.
Analysis: Sekera had a career-high 19 points in 2008-09, but he did his best work alongside Jaroslav Spacek, who is now in Montreal. Sekera is a regular blueliner for the Sabres, but is definitely an inconsistent Fantasy option. He has minimal appeal when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sabres D Andrej Sekera injured the muscles in his right side while skating against Nashville on Saturday. "The early diagnosis isn't good," coach Lindy Ruff said. "It looks like he's going to miss some time."
Analysis: Sekera had a career-high 19 points in 2008-09, but he did his best work alongside Jaroslav Spacek, who is now in Montreal. Sekera is a regular blueliner for the Sabres, but is definitely an inconsistent Fantasy option. He has minimal appeal when healthy.
News: The Sabres signed restricted free agent Andrej Sekera to a multi-year deal Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Analysis: Sekera posted 19 points (three goals) in 69 games last season. He missed 12 games due to an ankle injury. Unfortunately, Sekera amassed 10 of his points in the first 23 games and finished the season minus-11. He should be a top-logging defenseman again for Buffalo in 2009-10, but Sekera still has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: The Buffalo Sabres retained the rights to three key restricted free agents by extending qualifying offers to forwards Drew Stafford and Clarke MacArthur and defenseman Andrej Sekera. General manager Darcy Regier made the announcement on Monday, hours before a 5 p.m. deadline for teams to make offers to their restricted free agents. The Sabres will now be able to match any potential offer made to these players by another team when the NHL free agency period begins on Wednesday. Regier seemed confident that he would be able to sign all three to long-term deals this summer, but wasn't optimistic that it would get done before Wednesday. "We've had some conversations, but I think in most cases these players want to get into the restricted period and see what might be out there," he said. The Sabres also retained the rights to rugged second-year forward Patrick Kaleta, who had four goals and five assists in 51 games last season.
Analysis: Of the three, Stafford could be a target for an outside offer. The 23-year-old 2004 first-round pick blossomed into an offensive threat this past season by scoring 20 goals, the third-most on the team. MacArthur, meanwhile, is arbitration eligible after posting 31 points in 71 games, while Sekera, 23, played in 69 games in his first full season with the Sabres. Stafford is probably the only player of the four that will be drafted in a decent amount of Fantasy leagues in 2009-10 as a low-end option. Sekera, MacArthur and Kaleta will have little to no Fantasy appeal.
News:The Buffalo News reports Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Monday that Teppo Numminen will probably replace the struggling Andrej Sekera on Buffalo's blue line heading into Wednesday against the Thrashers. "There's a good chance that he's going to have to watch because it hasn't been a one-game struggle or a two-game," Ruff said. "It's been a good period of time, and he's having a tough time. We need to win games. I'm thinking right now that Teppo would go in."
Analysis: Sekera is minus-5 in the past six games and has been making numerous mistakes. He was nailed to the end of the bench for most of the third period Saturday during the Sabres' 4-3 shootout win over Montreal. "I fell in a deep hole," Sekera said. "I felt that way the last couple games. Anybody can see that." His offense has been atrocious as well with no points in seven games and five points in 26 games. Sekera is clearly a poor Fantasy option.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Friday's 5-1 win against the Coyotes. Sekera made it 2-0 with a slap shot past Ilya Bryzgalov 8:25 into the first. It was his third goal of the season and first in five games.
Analysis: Sekera has produced just two multi-point games in 2008-09. He started the season strong before hitting an offensive wall and then getting injured in January. Sekera just doesn't have a lot of overpowering offensive skills and remains a very low-end Fantasy flier.
News: On Friday, the Sabres activated defenseman Andrej Sekera who missed 12 games because of an ankle injury.
Analysis: Sekera has 13 points in 43 games of what was shaping up to be his first full NHL season. His minus-11 rating is a little discerning, but he's shown enough offensive potential in his young career to be worth owning in keeper formats and super-deep seasonal leagues.
News: The Buffalo News reports there's an outside chance that Sabres D Andrej Sekera could return from an ankle injury as soon as next week's four-game Western road trip that begins Tuesday in Edmonton.
Analysis: Sekera has 13 points in 43 games of what was shaping up to be his first full NHL season. His minus-11 rating is a little discerning, but he's shown enough offensive potential in his young career to be worth owning in keeper formats and super-deep seasonal leagues. You're probably better off leaving him on your bench until Fantasy Week 18 (Feb. 2-8) though.
News: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Andrej Sekera will be out for at least two weeks with an ankle injury. Coach Lindy Ruff said the team will evaluate Sekera, 22, in at least a couple of weeks - "or maybe longer" - after Chicago forward Dustin Byfuglien checked him into the boards in the second period of Buffalo's loss to the Blackhawks on Wednesday.
Analysis: Sekera had played in every Sabres game, registering a goal and 13 points in 43 contests and averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game. He is not worth hanging on to in Fantasy leagues right now.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sabres D Andrej Sekera left Wednesday's game with a lower-body injury after getting checked along the boards in the second period. Coach Lindy Ruff said "Andrej looks like he'll be out for a while." He missed Thursday's game against the Stars.
Analysis: Sekera was flying high earlier in the season for the Sabres, but he has just three points in his last 20 games and a minus-11 rating on the season. He is a top-logging defenseman for Buffalo, but a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera was in the lineup Tuesday against the Senators after leaving Saturday's game with an undisclosed ailment. He didn't have a point in 24:01 of ice time and finished at minus-1.
Analysis: Sekera is one of the Sabres' top-logging defenseman, but has just three points in his last 17 games. He was doing well early in the season, but has since cooled down. He has minimal Fantasy appeal until he gets back on his feet.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera picked up his 12th assist of the season in Saturday's win over the Bruins before leaving with an unknown injury midway through the third period.
Analysis: Sekera was doing well earlier this season, but has since cooled down. Continue to ignore him in almost all formats, healthy or not.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera scored his first goal of the season in Saturday's loss to the Canadiens.
Analysis: Sekera was doing well earlier this season, but has just three points in his last 21 games. Continue to ignore him in almost all formats.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera tallied an assist Saturday against the Devils for his first point in 10 games. He has no goals on the season and has only three points since Nov. 7.
Analysis: Sekera was playing well early in the season for Buffalo as he paired with Jaroslav Spacek, but the second-year defenseman has slowed down dramatically over the last month. His plus/minus rating has even dipped to minus-10. Sekera has minimal Fantasy appeal at this time.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera tallied an assist and finished at even in 19:58 of ice time Saturday against the Penguins. It was his ninth assist of the season, but first point in five games.
Analysis: Sekera's offensive production has slowed down a little bit since Craig Rivet returned from injury, but the second-year defenseman is still being paired with Jaroslav Spacek and already has a career-high nine points. He has good offensive potential, but remains more of a low-end Fantasy option at this time.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera assisted on Patrick Kaleta's third-period goal during Monday's 2-0 win against the Devils. Kaleta stretched the lead 2-0 just under eight minutes into the final period with his first goal of the season. Standing about halfway between the goal and the blue line, he redirected a point shot Sekera between Kevin Weekes' pads. He now has an assist in four straight games and five of six. He has six total in that span.
Analysis: Sekera has now matched his points total from last season (eight) and is well on his way to being a breakout Fantasy star in 2008-09. He is logging more than 24 minutes per game for Buffalo and is becoming quite a blue-line contributor. He's definitely someone worth owning in deeper leagues and you should keep an eye on his stats in all formats.
News: Buffalo D Andrej Sekera had two assists Saturday against the Capitals for the first multipoint game of his NHL career. He assisted both Thomas Vanek goals in the game.
Analysis: Sekera is currently partnering Jaroslav Spacek in the top defensive duo for the Sabres. He recorded 55 points in 51 games in the OHL a few seasons ago, so the offensive potential is clearly there. He's definitely someone worth owning in deeper leagues and you should keep an eye on his stats in all formats.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera, who had only two goals and six assists last season in 37 games, already has two assists in his first five games this season and is playing a solid 23:36 a game.
Analysis: Sekera is currently partnering Jaroslav Spacek in the top defensive duo for the Sabres. He recorded 55 points in 51 games in the OHL a few seasons ago, so the offensive potential is clearly there. He's definitely someone worth owning in deeper leagues and you should keep an eye on his stats in all formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sabres D Andrej Sekera will be in the top six pairing after getting a few call-ups from the minors last season. The smooth skater might even get power play time.
Analysis: Sekera had two goals and six assists in 37 games last season. As long as he stays healthy and productive in 2008-09, he could spend the entire season with Buffalo. However, he heads into the season as nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve.
News:Andrej Sekera scored 39 seconds into overtime past Alex Auld to lead Buffalo to a 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday and keep alive the Sabres' threadbare playoff hopes. Thomas Vanek set up the decisive goal, driving up the left wing before coming to a stop in the circle and feeding the trailing Sekera just inside the blue line. Sekera then one-timed a 50-footer that beat Alex Auld just inside the left post. Sekera also finished at plus-1 Sunday and spent two minutes in the penalty box for holding.
Analysis: Sekera has just two goals in 34 games this season and has been bouncing back between the NHL and AHL. He is pretty much a fresh body when the Sabres need an extra defenseman, but not worth using in Fantasy leagues at this moment.
News: The Sabres have recalled 22-year-old D Andrej Sekera from the AHL, according to the Buffalo News.
Analysis: Sekera has one goal and two assists in 21 games this season with the Sabres and only currently has value in deeper keeper formats.
News: The Sabres had a 2-0 lead and tied it at 3-3 when rookie defenseman Andrej Sekera scored the first goal of his NHL career, but they still lost at Anaheim Wednesday.
Analysis: Sekera will likely bounce back and forth between the pros and minors this season as he develops his game. He is nothing more than a potential long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sabres D Andrej Sekera was sent back to AHL Rochester. The rookie had just one assist in 11 games and was minus-7.
Analysis: Sekera will likely bounce back and forth between the pros and minors this season as he develops his game. He is nothing more than a potential long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Buffalo News reports that the Andrej Sekera could stick with the Sabres until the Sabres decide to send down expected signee Nolan Pratt or not.
Analysis: The rookie will not stick with the team because the Sabres would rather have him play in Rochester of the AHL and get regular minutes than watch in Buffalo.
News:The Sports Xchange reports after just three weeks into the season, the Sabres are already behind the 8-ball on the blueline, as veteran defenseman Dmitri Kalinin will be lost for at least a month after sustaining a right knee injury in Buffalo's loss to Carolina on Wednesday. Kalinin sprained his MCL after a knee-on-knee collision with Hurricanes forward Rod Brind'Amour in the second period. Kalinin's absence will mean more playing time for rookie Andrej Sekera, Buffalo's third round pick in 2004.
Analysis: Sekera has managed one assist and a minus-3 rating in his first four games. He has also spent six minutes in the penalty box. Sekera is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier while he helps out a depleted defense.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Jarsolav Spacek practiced Tuesday, but he's not expected to play Wednesday night at Carolina. Head coach Lindy Ruff said Spacek could play this weekend, when the Sabres visit Florida and Tampa Bay. Rookie Andrej Sekera will probably play alongside Nathan Paetsch on Buffalo's third defensive pairing.
Analysis: Sekera doesn't do enough just yet to warrant Fantasy consideration.
News: No single player is irreplaceable. The Sabres have proved that consistently over the past two seasons. And really, just a few weeks ago, who would have guessed that Jaroslav Spacek would become so integral to the Sabres' success? But when the Sabres try for their fourth straight victory Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets in HSBC Arena, their chances will be partly influenced by how well they overcome the absence of Spacek. Thursday. "Obviously, it opens up an opportunity for someone else," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He will be missed, but we'll make adjustments." Nathan Paetsch, Dmitri Kalinin and Andrej Sekera are expected to handle most of Spacek's work. Spacek will miss at least two games, including Saturday's road trip to Montreal, because of a shoulder injury suffered Monday.
Analysis: Sekera, one of the final players sent down to Rochester during training camp, was called up to give the Sabres six healthy defensemen. He has a goal and three assists in six games for the Amerks. The 21-year-old had one assist in five preseason games with Buffalo. Sekera played two games with the Sabres last season and averaged just 7 1/2 minutes. Ruff expects more during this visit. "I think he is the one guy that played real good hockey for us in the preseason, and the initial thoughts are to use the six guys (rather than rotate five and have Sekera watch)," Ruff said. "His minutes might range, I would hope, anywhere from 9 to 15 minutes." Sekera might find himself back in the minors as soon as Spacek is healthy, so hold off adding him to Fantasy rosters. If he stays, he would be nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera was called up from Rochester of the AHL on Saturday and made his NHL debut against Montreal.
Analysis: There is no need to add Sekera to Fantasy rosters at this time.
News: F Daniel Paille and D Andrej Sekera were assigned to Rochester of the AHL on Tuesday.
Analysis: Each of the players might see time at the NHL level, but don't bother with them in Fantasy Hockey.
