The Carolina Hurricanes have taken a decisive step to solidify their lineup for the coming seasons by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million contract. This new deal ensures that the talented 25-year-old will remain with the team through the 2025-26 season.
Necas, a native of Czechia, has been a prominent presence on the ice since being drafted in the first round back in 2017. Over the past few seasons, he has more than lived up to his potential, becoming a key player for the Hurricanes. Last season, Necas recorded 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, demonstrating his offensive prowess and consistency.
A Stellar 2022-23 Season
The 2022-23 season was particularly noteworthy for Necas, as he led the team with 71 points, contributing 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 regular-season games. His performance not only underscored his scoring capability but also his importance to the Hurricanes' offensive strategies. Additionally, he tallied four goals in 11 postseason games, though the Hurricanes' playoff run was halted in the second round by the New York Rangers.
The Role of Martin Necas
Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the Hurricanes, expressed his confidence in Necas' abilities and his value to the team. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," Tulsky stated. He emphasized Necas' critical role in the team's future, adding, "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done."
Challenges and Transitions
This new contract comes amid a period of transition for the Hurricanes. Eric Tulsky recently took over as GM after Don Waddell departed for Columbus, inheriting a team that has seen the departure of notable players such as Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. Despite these changes, the commitment to retaining and nurturing key talent like Necas indicates a forward-thinking approach to maintaining the team's competitive edge.
Necas has also been tied to trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance. By securing this contract, the Hurricanes have unequivocally marked Necas as a cornerstone of their strategy moving forward. His nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season place him at the top of the NHL leaderboard in this category, reinforcing his status as a clutch performer.
Future Prospects: Seth Jarvis
Looking ahead, Carolina is currently in negotiations with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has shown significant promise with 33 goals and 13 playoff goals across his first three seasons. His potential deal could further bolster the Hurricanes' roster, adding to the depth already enhanced by re-signing Necas.
Conclusion
The Hurricanes' decision to secure Martin Necas for another two years signals their commitment to building a robust and dynamic team capable of competing at the highest levels. With Eric Tulsky at the helm, the franchise is set on a trajectory that balances maintaining key players while exploring new talent to continue its legacy of success. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these moves translate into performance in the upcoming seasons.