Carolina Hurricanes Lock Down Martin Necas with Two-Year Deal
The Carolina Hurricanes have secured a crucial piece of their roster by signing forward Martin Necas to a two-year, $13 million contract. This deal ensures that the talented forward remains with the team through the 2025-26 NHL season, consolidating their offensive capabilities for the foreseeable future.
Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has firmly established himself as a pivotal player on the Hurricanes' lineup. Drafted in the first round in 2017, his skill set has evolved over the years, making him a formidable presence on the ice. Last season, he recorded 24 goals and 29 assists in 77 games. His scoring prowess was even more pronounced in the 2022-23 season, where he led the team with 28 goals and 43 assists, amassing a total of 71 points over 82 regular-season games. This performance underscored his value to the team, as he additionally contributed four goals in the postseason.
Eric Tulsky, who has taken over as the General Manager of the Hurricanes following Don Waddell's departure to Columbus, expressed his optimism regarding the extension. "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 signing comes at a critical juncture for the Hurricanes, as the team navigates significant transitions. The offseason has seen the exit of essential players like Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce through free agency. Despite these departures, the team's commitment to retaining key talents like Necas showcases their determination to remain competitive. Additionally, the Hurricanes are in ongoing talks to secure a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis, who has already made his mark with 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons.
Necas' reliability and clutch performance have not gone unnoticed. Since the 2020-21 season, he has tallied nine overtime goals, tying for the NHL lead in this period. This ability to perform under pressure is invaluable, particularly as the Hurricanes strive to advance deeper into the playoffs after being ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round last season. Necas' performance in the postseason reinforces his role as a crucial asset for Carolina's ambitions.
While the team faces challenges after its sixth consecutive playoff appearance, Necas' signing provides a bright spot and a strategic foundation for the future. His scoring capabilities and consistency have secured him a pivotal position in the Hurricanes' offensive arsenal, promising fans continued excitement and competitive play in the seasons ahead.
As the Hurricanes look to the upcoming season, retaining a player of Necas' caliber signifies more than just stability; it reflects the franchise's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the NHL landscape. With a blend of experienced talent and promising young players, Carolina is poised to tackle the challenges of the new season head-on, driven by the standout performances of players like Martin Necas.