The Carolina Hurricanes have secured a crucial piece of their offensive puzzle by signing forward Martin Necas to a two-year, $13 million deal. This new contract ensures that the Czech native will remain with the team through the 2025-26 season, solidifying his role as a key player in Carolina's lineup.
Necas, now 25, was originally drafted by the Hurricanes in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Since then, he has steadily developed into one of the team's most reliable scoring threats. Last season, Necas tallied 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. His performance in the previous 2022-23 season was even more impressive, as he notched 28 goals and 43 assists, leading the team with a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games. His prowess continued into the postseason, where he scored four goals in 11 games.
Upon securing the deal, Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky was effusive in his praise for Necas. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," said Tulsky. "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done."
Necas's ability to deliver in clutch moments has also been notable, evidenced by his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, tying him for the NHL lead in that span. However, despite his impressive statistics, Necas had been the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance.
The Hurricanes, led off the ice by Tulsky who took over the GM role after Don Waddell departed for Columbus, face a period of significant change and adaptation. The team has seen the exit of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. This adds pressure on the remaining roster and the management to fill the gaps left by these departures effectively.
Carolina is also negotiating a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis, another forward who could play a major role in the team's future. Jarvis has scored 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons, demonstrating potential that the Hurricanes are keen to harness moving forward.
The Hurricanes' campaign was cut short last season by the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs. Despite this setback, the team remains optimistic about its prospects with a reinforced roster and newly secured talents like Necas.
The commitment to Necas is a clear signal from the Hurricanes that they are focused on retaining top-tier talent to remain competitive in the league. As Tulsky noted, having a player of Necas's caliber locked in for the next two seasons provides a stable foundation upon which the team can build and push for further success.
The upcoming seasons will be crucial for the Hurricanes as they navigate the challenges of integrating new players, ensuring team chemistry, and striving for deeper playoff runs. With Necas in the fold, the Hurricanes have taken a significant step towards maintaining their status as a formidable force in the NHL.