The Carolina Hurricanes have solidified their roster for the upcoming NHL seasons by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million contract. This extension ensures that the talented forward remains with the team through the end of the 2025-26 season.
Martin Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has been a crucial asset for the Hurricanes since his draft in the first round in 2017. Over the years, he has become an indispensable part of the team’s offense, showcasing his ability to both score and assist with consistency. Last season, Necas delivered 24 goals and 29 assists across 77 games, affirming his value on the ice. The previous 2022-23 season saw him leading the team with an impressive 71 points, comprised of 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 regular-season games. His postseason performance, with four goals in 11 games, further underlined his significance to the team.
The decision to secure Necas long-term comes at a critical time for the Hurricanes, especially following their sixth consecutive playoff appearance and subsequent second-round ouster by the New York Rangers. Necas had been the focus of trade discussions, but the Hurricanes' management decided to double down on his potential contribution to the team’s future success.
A Strategic Move Amidst Roster Changes
Eric Tulsky, who recently assumed the role of General Manager after Don Waddell's departure for Columbus, emphasized the value Necas brings to the team. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," Tulsky remarked. "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 Hurricanes' offseason has been marked by significant changes, with key players like Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce departing in free agency. Tulsky's decision to retain Necas can be seen as a move to stabilize and strengthen the team's core, focusing on players who can deliver consistent performances.
Focus on Young Talent: Seth Jarvis
Carolina is also in discussions to secure another young talent, 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has shown promising development, scoring 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons. His potential makes him a valuable asset for the Hurricanes' future endeavors as they concentrate on building a team capable of competing at the highest levels.
Necas' outstanding performance since the 2020-21 season further justifies the Hurricanes' investment in him. Tied for the NHL lead in overtime goals with nine, Necas has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to step up in crucial moments. His clutch performances and scoring prowess make him a player that opposing teams must always keep an eye on.
With Necas locked in for the next two seasons, the Hurricanes are set to leverage his skills and experience as they aim for a deeper playoff run. The combination of veteran presence and the infusion of young talent like Jarvis positions Carolina as a formidable contender in the coming seasons.
As the team adapts to the offseason changes, the focus will undoubtedly be on integrating new players and optimizing the roster for success. Necas' re-signing marks a significant step in maintaining the Hurricanes' competitive edge, reinforcing the confidence that the management and fans alike have in his abilities.