The Carolina Hurricanes have solidified their roster by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million deal. This new contract extension will keep Necas with the team through the 2025-26 season, giving the Hurricanes a significant boost in their offensive lineup.
Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has been a critical player for the Hurricanes since he was drafted in the first round back in 2017. Over his career, he has developed into an essential component of Carolina's attack, known for his scoring ability and clutch performances.
Impressive Stats and Consistency
Last season, Necas showcased his scoring prowess with 24 goals and 29 assists across 77 games. His offensive contributions were even more pronounced in the 2022-23 season, where he notched 28 goals and 43 assists, leading the team with a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games. Necas has demonstrated an ability to step up in crucial moments, scoring nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, which ties him for the NHL lead in that span.
His performance in the postseason has been noteworthy as well. Necas scored four goals in 11 playoff games, further emphasizing his value during high-stakes situations. Eric Tulsky, the General Manager of the Hurricanes, expressed his enthusiasm about retaining Necas, stating, "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick."
Facing Trade Speculations
Despite his contributions, Necas found himself in the midst of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance. The offseason saw significant changes for the Hurricanes, with key players like Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce departing in free agency. These exits left gaps that needed to be filled, making the extension of Necas's contract even more pivotal for the team's stability.
New Leadership and Future Prospects
Under the leadership of Eric Tulsky, who took over the GM role after Don Waddell's move to Columbus, the Hurricanes are navigating these transitions with a clear strategy. "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 added, emphasizing Necas's importance to the team’s future.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Carolina is also in talks for a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis, who has scored 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons, represents another young talent who can contribute significantly to the Hurricanes' aspirations. The team's ability to retain and secure such skilled players will be crucial as they aim to advance further in the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup.
Last season, the Hurricanes were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round, a result that has undoubtedly fueled their resolve to come back stronger. With Necas’s extension and ongoing negotiations with potential key players like Jarvis, Carolina is positioning itself to be a formidable contender in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, Martin Necas’s new contract not only secures a proven scorer for the Hurricanes but also signifies the team's commitment to building on their recent successes. As fans eagerly await the new season, the interactions between GM Eric Tulsky and the players will be closely watched, with hopes high for a breakthrough year.