The Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move to secure their offensive prowess by locking in forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million deal.
This contract ensures that the 25-year-old native of Czechia will remain with the Hurricanes through the 2025-26 season. Necas, who was drafted in the first round in 2017, has been a formidable presence on the ice, demonstrating his skills and contributing significantly to the Hurricanes' performance.
Last season, Necas notched 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. The 2022-23 season was particularly impressive for Necas as he led the team with a total of 71 points, scoring 28 goals and adding 43 assists over 82 regular-season games. His performance in the postseason, where he scored four goals in 11 games, further solidified his reputation as a crucial player for the Hurricanes.
Amidst trade discussions that had swirled around him following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance, securing Necas through a two-year contract provides much-needed stability for the team. Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed his confidence in Necas’s abilities, stating, "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick." Tulsky further 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."
Team Dynamics and Adjustments
The Hurricanes have undergone significant changes in their lineup, including the exit of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. These departures have undoubtedly impacted the team's dynamic, making it even more critical to retain top-performing players like Necas.
In addition to securing Necas, Carolina is currently in negotiations with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Over his first three seasons, Jarvis has proven himself with 33 goals and 13 playoff goals, demonstrating his potential to be a valuable asset to the team. Bringing Jarvis into the fold with a solid contract would further bolster the Hurricanes' roster.
A Look at Necas's Career
Necas has been a standout performer for Carolina since joining the team, and his statistics underscore his importance. Since the 2020-21 season, he has scored nine overtime goals, tying for the NHL lead in that period. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver critical goals in high-stakes moments has made him an indispensable player for the Hurricanes.
The recent seasons have showcased Necas's growth and consistency. His increasing goal tally and assist numbers reflect his development as a top-tier forward. With the newly secured contract, the Hurricanes can expect stability and continued excellence from Necas over the next two seasons.
The move to retain Necas comes as the Hurricanes aim to fortify their position following their ousting by the New York Rangers in the second round last season. With Eric Tulsky at the helm as the new GM after Don Waddell's departure for Columbus, the team is navigating through transitions while keeping a sharp focus on maintaining their competitive edge.
The upcoming seasons will be a test of the Hurricanes' resilience and strategy. With Necas now secured, the team can look forward to having one of their key offensive weapons in place, ready to contribute to their quest for success. As the negotiation with Seth Jarvis progresses, Carolina is poised to solidify its roster further, aiming for deeper playoff runs and, ultimately, a shot at the championship.