In a significant move to bolster their offensive lineup, the Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Martin Necas to a new two-year contract worth $13 million. This deal ensures Necas will be an integral part of the Hurricanes' squad through the 2025-26 season, a key commitment for a team reeling from the offseason departures of prominent players.
Necas's Rising Star
At 25 years old, Martin Necas is already a seasoned athlete hailing from Czechia. Drafted in the first round back in 2017, Necas has developed into a pivotal player for Carolina. Last season, he recorded 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, showcasing his offensive prowess.
His performance in the 2022-23 season was even more impressive as he scored 28 goals and added 43 assists, leading the team with a total of 71 points over 82 regular-season games. These statistics underline Necas's growing importance to the Hurricanes' offensive strategies. Additionally, he proved his mettle in clutch situations, scoring four goals in 11 postseason games, contributing significantly to Carolina's playoff efforts.
Since the 2020-21 season, Necas has notched nine overtime goals, tying him for the NHL lead in that category. Such a record makes him a constant threat in high-pressure moments, a trait highly valued in the NHL.
Front Office Transitions and Trade Discussions
The General Manager role in Carolina has seen a change, with Eric Tulsky taking over after Don Waddell departed for Columbus. Tulsky faces the challenge of navigating the team through a period of significant transitions, including the loss of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce to free agency. These departures inevitably triggered speculations and trade discussions around Necas as the team sought to adjust its roster.
However, with the new contract, the Hurricanes have clearly shown their intent to retain Necas as a central figure in their lineup. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," said Tulsky. He added, "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done."
Looking Forward: Contract Negotiations and Future Prospects
While the Hurricanes have secured Necas's services, they’re also in talks for a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has demonstrated his potential by scoring 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons in the NHL. Securing a deal with Jarvis would further solidify the young core of the Hurricanes, offering hope for sustained success in future seasons.
Carolina's recent playoff journey ended in disappointment as they were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round last season, marking their sixth consecutive playoff appearance. Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic about its potential, banking on key players like Necas to lead them deeper into the postseason in the coming years.
As the new season approaches, the Hurricanes will be keen to integrate their new strategies and acquisitions, while relying on Necas to continue his impressive form. With the young Czech forward locked into a multi-year deal, the Hurricanes aim to convert their regular-season successes into a stronger playoff showing, driven by Necas’s scoring abilities.
In summary, the Carolina Hurricanes have reinforced their commitment to forward Martin Necas with a new two-year, $13 million contract. With Necas’s notable contributions on the ice and leadership off it, the Hurricanes are poised to build on their recent achievements and navigate through a period of roster changes under the guidance of General Manager Eric Tulsky.