Carolina Hurricanes Secure Martin Necas with Two-Year $13 Million Deal
In a significant move for the Carolina Hurricanes, the team has successfully secured forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million contract. This deal ensures that the skilled forward will remain with the Hurricanes through the 2025-26 season, a considerable boost to the team's offensive capabilities.
Martin Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has made notable strides since being drafted in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Over the past seasons, Necas has proven to be an essential component of the Hurricanes’ lineup. His performance in the 2022-23 season was particularly remarkable; he led the team with 71 points, scoring 28 goals and adding 43 assists over 82 regular-season games.
Last season, Necas continued to demonstrate his value by notching 24 goals and 29 assists in 77 games. His ability to perform under pressure was evident in the postseason as well, contributing four goals in 11 playoff games. Since the 2020-21 season, Necas has also been a clutch performer in critical moments, scoring nine overtime goals, which ties him for the NHL lead in that span.
“Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick,” said Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky. “He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done.”
Trade Speculations and Team Dynamics
Necas had been the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance, suggesting his value and the intrigue surrounding his potential contributions elsewhere. However, the decision to retain him solidifies the team's intention to build and maintain a competitive roster.
Eric Tulsky, who recently assumed the role of General Manager after Don Waddell departed for Columbus, faces the task of navigating several key player changes. The departure of notable players such as Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency has created gaps that Tulsky must address.
Currently, the Hurricanes are also engaged in talks for a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. A promising forward, Jarvis has already accumulated 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons, showcasing his potential to become a mainstay in the Hurricanes’ attacking unit.
Looking Ahead
The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off a season where they were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs. With Necas secured, the team's focus will undoubtedly shift to further bolstering their roster to ensure deeper playoff runs in the future. The addition of young talent like Jarvis, coupled with the retention of key contributors like Necas, indicates a strategic move towards maintaining a balanced and potent lineup.
The retention of Necas not only provides stability but also keeps a prolific scorer and playmaker on the team. His presence is anticipated to be a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' offensive strategy, particularly given the upheavals in the roster and the ongoing efforts to bring in new talent.
With these changes and signings, the Hurricanes remain a team to watch in the upcoming seasons, poised to build on their recent playoff appearances and aiming for a stronger push towards the Stanley Cup.