Carolina Hurricanes Secure Martin Necas with Two-Year Deal
The Carolina Hurricanes have solidified their roster by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million deal. This contract ensures that Necas will be with the Hurricanes through the 2025-26 season, providing much-needed stability for both the player and the team.
Martin Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has been a pivotal part of the Hurricanes since being drafted in the first round in 2017. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his worth on the ice, and this new contract is a testament to his value to the franchise. "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."
Necas' performance in the past seasons has certainly justified his new deal. Last season, he notched an impressive 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. Even more noteworthy was his 2022-23 season, where he racked up 28 goals and 43 assists, leading the team with a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games. His postseason contributions, including four goals in 11 games, further highlight his pivotal role in the Hurricanes' offense.
The contract also brings much-needed certainty for Necas, who had been the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance. As a restricted free agent heading to arbitration, securing this deal was crucial not only for his professional stability but also for the team's strategic planning. Reports had surfaced that Necas' father indicated his son's preference for a trade, adding some drama to the off-season, but the deal cements Necas' place with the Hurricanes for the foreseeable future.
Despite the stability this deal brings, the Hurricanes are still dealing with some significant changes. Eric Tulsky assumed the role of GM after Don Waddell departed for Columbus. Additionally, the team saw the exit of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency, which could impact the team dynamics heading into the new season.
In the midst of these changes, Carolina is also in talks for a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. The young forward has already made a mark by scoring 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons, indicating a promising future with the team.
As the Hurricanes prepare for the upcoming season, the signing of Martin Necas provides a strong foundation. His nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season have him tied for the NHL lead in that span, demonstrating his clutch capabilities. The Hurricanes, who were ousted by the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the second round last season, will be banking on Necas’ skills to bolster their playoff aspirations.
Overall, the re-signing of Martin Necas is a strategic move that underlines the Hurricanes' commitment to maintaining a competitive roster. With his scoring prowess and experience, Necas is set to play a crucial role in the Carolina Hurricanes' quest for continued success.