Carolina Hurricanes Secure Martin Necas with Two-Year Deal
The Carolina Hurricanes have locked in forward Martin Necas with a two-year contract worth $13 million, ensuring his stay with the team through the 2025-26 season. The native of Czechia has been a vital asset for the Hurricanes and this new deal emphasizes his importance to the franchise moving forward.
Martin Necas, now 25 years old, was initially drafted by the Hurricanes in the first round of the 2017 NHL draft. Since then, he has evolved into a key player for Carolina, consistently demonstrating his scoring ability and overall contributions on the ice.
Last season, Necas recorded 24 goals and 29 assists over the course of 77 games. However, it was during the 2022-23 season that he truly showcased his potential by scoring 28 goals and adding 43 assists, thus leading the team with a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games. His offensive prowess continued into the postseason where he scored four goals in 11 games.
Amidst trade speculations following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance, re-signing Necas has put an end to various rumors. The Hurricanes' General Manager, Eric Tulsky, underscored Necas' value to the team by stating, "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick." Tulsky continued, "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 has a knack for clutch performances, evident from his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, a feat that ties him for the NHL lead in that span. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes him a critical player for the Hurricanes as they aspire to make deeper runs in the playoffs.
Offseason Changes and Future Outlook
The Hurricanes' offseason has been marked by significant changes, including the exit of General Manager Don Waddell, who left for Columbus, paving the way for Eric Tulsky to assume the role. Alongside the administrative shift, the team also saw the departure of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. These exits have undoubtedly left gaps that the franchise will need to address before the new season begins.
Looking ahead, the Hurricanes are actively negotiating with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Over his first three seasons, Jarvis has shown promise by netting 33 goals and adding 13 playoff goals to his tally. His potential re-signing could further bolster the team's offensive lineup, complementing Necas and other key players.
Despite these offseason changes, the Hurricanes' commitment to retaining and building around their core players, such as Necas, signals their ongoing ambition. While the team faced disappointment last season after being ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round, they remain determined to return stronger and more cohesive.
The re-signing of Necas not only solidifies their forward roster but also instills confidence within the franchise and its fan base. As the new season approaches, the Hurricanes, under Tulsky's leadership, appear focused on fostering talent and adjusting their strategies to surpass last season's achievements.
Conclusion
Securing Martin Necas for an additional two years marks a significant step for the Carolina Hurricanes. As a player who has consistently delivered strong performances and crucial goals, his presence will be pivotal as the team navigates the upcoming seasons. The ongoing negotiations with Seth Jarvis and adjustments following key player departures will be critical to watch as the Hurricanes prepare to contend with the league's best once again. With strategic decisions and a solid core, the Hurricanes are set to remain competitive and potentially elevate their standing in the NHL.