The Carolina Hurricanes have reaffirmed their commitment to forward Martin Necas by securing his services with a two-year, $13 million deal, which will keep the talented Czech native with the team through the 2025-26 season. This pivotal agreement is expected to play a considerable role in maintaining the Hurricanes' competitive edge as they navigate the challenging waters of the NHL.
Necas, a 25-year-old forward from Czechia, was initially drafted in the first round back in 2017. Since then, he has steadily developed into one of the most reliable offensive weapons in the Hurricanes' arsenal. Last season, Necas showcased his scoring prowess by tallying 24 goals and adding 29 assists over 77 games. In the 2022-23 season, he further elevated his game, leading his team with 71 points via 28 goals and 43 assists across 82 regular-season games.
Necas' value to the Hurricanes extends beyond the regular season, with his postseason contributions underlining his importance. He managed to find the back of the net four times in 11 playoff games last season. Furthermore, his knack for clutch performances is evident from his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, a figure that ties him for the NHL lead in this dramatic category.
Eric Tulsky, the General Manager of the Hurricanes who took over following Don Waddell's departure for Columbus, spoke highly of Necas upon the announcement of the new contract. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," Tulsky said. Highlighting the significance of the multi-year deal, he 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."
The signing of Necas comes at a crucial juncture for the Hurricanes, who have seen some prominent names leave during the off-season. Key players like Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce opted for free agency, leaving the team with some gaps to fill. Despite these losses, Carolina remains active in bolstering their roster, currently engaging in talks for a deal with the 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis, who has already made his mark with 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons, represents another young talent that the Hurricanes hope to secure long-term.
Necas’ performance and new contract come amid ongoing conversations about his lifespan with the team. Following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance, in which they were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round, there were discussions about potentially trading Necas. However, by securing his future with this new deal, the Hurricanes have made a strong statement about their faith in his abilities and role within the team.
As the Hurricanes look to build on their recent successes and address the challenges posed by key departures, the stability brought by Necas’ signing is likely to be a cornerstone of their strategy. His ability to consistently deliver points and step up in high-pressure situations will be invaluable as the team aims to make deeper playoff runs in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, the two-year, $13 million deal for Martin Necas is not just a commitment to a player but a signal of intent from the Carolina Hurricanes. By retaining one of their top scorers and a clutch performer, they are laying the groundwork for sustained competitiveness in the fiercely contested NHL landscape. With Necas secured, all eyes will be on how the team maneuvers through the remaining off-season moves and prepares for the challenges ahead.