The Carolina Hurricanes have secured their talented forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million deal, ensuring his presence on the roster through the 2025-26 season. This move follows a speculated period where Necas was the subject of trade discussions, reflecting his high value and importance to the team.
Martin Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has been a key player for the Hurricanes since being drafted in the first round in 2017. His performance last season was particularly impressive, as Necas notched 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. The previous season saw him lead the team with 71 points, scoring 28 goals and contributing 43 assists in 82 regular-season games. His postseason contribution included four goals in 11 games, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
General Manager Eric Tulsky highlighted Necas's significance to the team, stating, "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick. He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done.” Tulsky's confidence in Necas is further underscored by the substantial contract extension, which underscores the franchise's commitment to its young talent.
However, the Hurricanes are undergoing significant changes. Following their sixth consecutive playoff appearance, the team saw the exit of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. The transitions haven't hindered the team's efforts to build a competitive squad, as they are currently in talks for a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has scored 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons, showing promise for the future of the franchise.
The departure of former General Manager Don Waddell, who left for Columbus, marked another change for the Hurricanes. Eric Tulsky stepped into the role and has since been proactive in shaping the team's roster. His strategic moves will be crucial in maintaining the Hurricanes' competitive edge in the NHL.
The Hurricanes' postseason journey last season ended in the second round, where they were ousted by the New York Rangers. Despite this setback, Necas's individual performance remained strong, evidenced by his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, a tally that ties him for the NHL lead in that period.
Necas's journey with the Hurricanes has been one of steady improvement and increasing responsibility. His growth as a player is reflected in his statistics and the trust placed in him by the management. The new contract not only rewards his past contributions but also sets the stage for future achievements. As the Hurricanes continue to navigate roster changes and build for the future, Necas stands as a pillar of stability and skill on the ice.
As the new season approaches, the focus will undoubtedly be on how these changes impact the team’s performance. However, with Necas secured and potential new talent like Seth Jarvis in the mix, the Hurricanes appear poised to remain strong contenders in the NHL.