The Carolina Hurricanes have locked in forward Martin Necas for the foreseeable future, securing him with a two-year, $13 million contract that will see him stay with the team through the 2025-26 season. This decisive move comes as the Hurricanes aim to solidify their roster after another strong season in the NHL.
Necas' Impressive Performance
Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has been an integral part of the Hurricanes' offensive strategy since he was drafted in the first round back in 2017. His performance over the past few seasons underscores why the franchise is keen to retain his talents. Last season, Necas notched 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, showing his reliability and skill on the ice. He stepped up even further in the 2022-23 season, leading the team with 71 points, including 28 goals and 43 assists, across 82 regular-season games. His contributions extended into the postseason as well, where he scored four goals in 11 games.
"Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," remarked 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."
Necas Amid Trade Talks
Despite his standout performances, Necas was the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance. The Hurricanes' postseason journey ended at the hands of the New York Rangers in the second round, a defeat that prompted speculation about potential roster changes. Yet, the team decided to bet on continuity, opting to keep one of their top players on board, much to the relief of a fanbase that has come to regard Necas as a cornerstone of their team's future.
Turmoil and Transition
Eric Tulsky's recent appointment as General Manager following Don Waddell's departure for Columbus adds another layer of complexity to the team's current dynamics. Under Tulsky’s leadership, the Hurricanes have seen the exit of key figures such as Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce, all of whom left the franchise during free agency. However, the acquisition and retention strategy appears to be focused on blending seasoned reliability with youthful potential.
Future Moves
Carolina is not done fine-tuning its squad just yet. The team is in ongoing discussions for a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has shown promise during his first three seasons, tallying 33 goals and an impressive 13 playoff goals, hinting at his potential to become another critical piece in the Hurricanes’ lineup.
With Necas’ new contract, the Hurricanes have reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing and retaining top talent. Necas' ability to score at crucial moments is a significant asset, exemplified by his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, tying for the NHL lead in that span. This knack for performing under pressure will be invaluable as the team continues to strive for postseason success.
As the Hurricanes prepare for the upcoming season, the focus now shifts to how these strategic decisions play out on the ice. With Martin Necas secured and further talent negotiations underway, the franchise is poised to make another deep playoff run, driven by both the retained core and emerging talent.