Carolina Hurricanes Lock Down Martin Necas with Two-Year Deal
The Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move to stabilize their roster, securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million deal. This contract ensures that Necas will be donning the Hurricanes' jersey through the 2025-26 season, a testament to the team’s belief in his talent and potential.
Necas’s Proven Performance
Martin Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has proven to be an indispensable part of the Hurricanes' lineup since being drafted in the first round back in 2017. Last season, Necas recorded an impressive 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. His performance was even more stellar in the 2022-23 season, notching 28 goals and 43 assists. Necas led the team with a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games that year, showcasing his critical role in Carolina's offensive strategy.
Necas’s impact extends beyond the regular season. In the postseason, he scored four goals in 11 games, further proving his value when the stakes are highest. His knack for clutch moments is underscored by his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, tying him for the NHL lead in that span.
A Strategic Move by General Manager Eric Tulsky
Eric Tulsky, who took over as General Manager following Don Waddell’s departure for Columbus, emphasized the importance of retaining Necas. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," Tulsky stated. "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done."
The contract extension comes at a crucial time for the Hurricanes, who have seen the exit of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. Tulsky’s move to secure Necas ensures that the team retains one of its top offensive contributors, which is vital for maintaining their competitive edge.
Offseason Challenges and Future Prospects
The Hurricanes have faced some offseason challenges, including prolonged trade discussions involving Necas following the team’s sixth consecutive playoff appearance. These discussions have now been put to rest with the new contract, allowing the team to focus on other roster adjustments.
Additionally, Carolina is actively engaged in talks for a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has shown promising potential, scoring 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons. Securing Jarvis could be another critical step in reinforcing the team's depth and securing its future.
Looking Ahead
The Hurricanes are coming off a season where they were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs. As they prepare for the upcoming season, retaining a player of Necas’s caliber provides a sense of stability and direction. The franchise aims to build on its recent successes and overcome the hurdles that have kept them from advancing further in the playoffs.
With Necas locked in, the Hurricanes can look forward to consistent production and leadership from one of their most reliable forwards. His ability to deliver in critical moments makes him a cornerstone of Carolina’s strategy as they strive for deeper playoff runs and ultimately, a shot at the Stanley Cup.