Carolina Hurricanes Secure Martin Necas with Two-Year Deal
The Carolina Hurricanes have solidified their offensive lineup by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million contract. This strategic move ensures that one of the team's key players remains with the Hurricanes through the 2025-26 season.
Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has proven his worth since being drafted in the first round in 2017. His performance on the ice last season was impressive, notching 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. However, it was the 2022-23 season where Necas truly shined, leading the team with a total of 71 points from 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 regular-season games. His ability to influence the game did not taper off in the postseason, where he contributed four goals in 11 games.
General Manager Eric Tulsky, who assumed the role after Don Waddell's departure for Columbus, expressed his excitement about retaining Necas. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," Tulsky remarked. "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done."
Necas's contribution to the team extends beyond regular time; his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season are tied for the NHL lead in that span. This level of clutch performance is invaluable for a team seeking consistent playoff success.
Despite his recent success, Necas was the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance, where they were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round. The trade rumors put a spotlight on the team's efforts to balance their roster amidst the exit of key players such as Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency.
The Hurricanes are also in active talks to secure another promising talent, 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Over his first three seasons, Jarvis has scored 33 goals and 13 playoff goals, demonstrating his potential to be a critical piece of the Hurricanes' offensive machinery.
Tulsky and his team face the challenge of reshaping a squad that has demonstrated it can compete but needs the right mix of talent to push further in the postseason. The commitment to Necas signals their intent to retain skilled players who can make a difference in crucial moments.
As the Carolina Hurricanes prepare for the upcoming season, the securement of Necas provides a sense of stability and continuity. His record and potential ensure he will remain a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' pursuit of greater success in the NHL.