“We appreciate Andrej’s contributions to our organization on and off the ice over the past two seasons,” said Francis. “He is a good player and an even better person.

“Roland has served in leadership positions for Kingston and Hockey Canada and is a good young defenseman that our scouts like. Obviously we are also happy to add an additional first-round pick.”

McKeown, 19, is in his third season with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), serving as Kingston’s captain and ranking second among Kingston defensemen with 24 points (4g, 20a) in 54 games played. The Listowel, Ont., native was selected in the second round (50th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft after ranking 13th among OHL defensemen in scoring in 2013-14 with 43 points (11g, 32a) in 62 games played, serving as alternate captain for the Frontenacs. McKeown has represented Canada in several international competitions, including the 2013 U-18 World Junior Championship and the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

The first round draft pick that Carolina will receive in the deal will be in the 2015 NHL Draft should Los Angeles make the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, or the 2016 NHL Draft if they do not.

Sekera, 28, has scored two goals and earned 17 assists (19 points) in 57 games with the Hurricanes this season. The Bojnice, Slovakia, native joined Carolina from Buffalo via a trade at the 2013 NHL Draft, and set career highs in goals (11), assists (33), points (44), power-play goals (4) and shots (142) in 74 games during the 2013-14 season. Sekera (6’0”, 201 lbs.) has notched 30 goals and earned 125 assists (155 points) in 470 career NHL regular season games with Buffalo and Carolina since turning pro in 2006-07.