The Carolina Hurricanes have officially secured their electric forward, Martin Necas, with a two-year, $13 million contract. Settling the deal ensures that the 25-year-old winger will continue to don the Hurricanes' jersey through the 2025-26 NHL season.
Necas, a Czechia native, was originally drafted in the first round back in 2017 and has since blossomed into a pivotal asset for the Hurricanes. His contribution over the years has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his skills and value to the franchise.
An Impressive Season
Last season, Necas demonstrated his offensive prowess by recording 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. His skill on the ice was even more evident during the 2022-23 season, where he led the team in scoring with 28 goals and 43 assists, amassing an impressive 71 points in 82 regular-season games. His performance was not limited to the regular season; Necas also made his mark in the postseason, netting four goals across 11 games.
"Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," said Eric Tulsky, the General Manager of the Hurricanes. "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done."
Trade Speculations and Stability
Despite his clear value, Necas had recently been the focus of trade discussions, especially after the Hurricanes secured their sixth consecutive playoff berth. The stability provided by his new contract brings a sense of relief and continuity to both the player and the team.
This period of transition within the Hurricanes' roster perhaps made the continuity provided by the Necas contract even more crucial. The team saw the departure of key players such as Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce through free agency. The front office, now headed by Eric Tulsky after Don Waddell’s departure for Columbus, has had to navigate these changes carefully.
Future Prospects: Seth Jarvis
In addition to securing Necas, the Hurricanes are currently engaged in negotiations with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Over his first three seasons, Jarvis has shown promise, notching 33 goals and adding 13 more in the playoffs. Signing Jarvis could provide another key piece to Carolina's evolving roster.
Playoff Woes and Hopes
The Hurricanes' recent playoff journey ended in the second round, where they were ousted by the New York Rangers. Nevertheless, optimism surrounds the team's ability to build on their recent successes and make a deeper playoff run in the future. Key to this vision is having reliable, skilled players like Necas, who has demonstrated his clutch capabilities with nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, a stat that ties him for the NHL lead in this span.
The Hurricanes are clearly investing in maintaining a competitive edge, both by retaining top talents like Necas and seeking prospects like Jarvis to fortify the squad. The dynamic forward's new contract is a testament to his contributions and the franchise's confidence in his continued impact.
As the team adapts to recent changes and aims for more profound achievements, players like Martin Necas will undoubtedly be at the forefront, driving Carolina's quest for success in the highly competitive league. The new deal not only rewards Necas for his past performances but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter for the Hurricanes and their fans.