Oilers reportedly a 'leading contender' for Andrej Sekera

The Edmonton Oilers have their sights zeroed in on perhaps the free-agent market's top defenseman.

TSN's Bob McKenzie is reporting that Edmonton is a "leading contender" to land former Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Andrej Sekera.

In the absence of a legitimate top-pairing defenseman, Sekera projects to be the Oilers' No. 1 option, though he would likely be best suited to a middle-pairing role.

Sekera will command a raise on the $2.75-million hit he cost the Hurricanes and Kings last season.