The Carolina Hurricanes have made a decisive move to secure their future by signing forward Martin Necas to a two-year, $13 million deal. This contract extension guarantees that the talented Czechian will remain with the team through the 2025-26 season, marking a continued commitment to one of the core players instrumental in their recent successes.
Martin Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has been a key player for the Hurricanes since being drafted in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. His performance has only improved over time, making him a valuable asset for the team. Last season, Necas notched 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
The 2022-23 season was particularly remarkable for Necas, as he led the team with 71 points, comprising 28 goals and 43 assists, in 82 regular-season games. His contributions were crucial in helping the Hurricanes reach the playoffs, where he added four goals in 11 postseason games.
A Key Player Under Speculation
Despite his impressive stats, Necas had been the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance. Nevertheless, the team's general manager, Eric Tulsky, recognized his value and made the decision to secure him for another two years.
"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."
Shifting Team Dynamics
The signing comes at a time of significant transition for the Hurricanes. Eric Tulsky recently assumed the role of General Manager after Don Waddell departed for Columbus. This change in leadership has coincided with some notable exits during free agency, including key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce.
Despite these departures, the team is actively working to build a strong roster. Discussions are underway to finalize a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has shown promise with 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons. His youthful energy and potential could add a new dynamic to the team's offensive lineup.
Postseason Challenges
Carolina's postseason journey last season ended in disappointment when they were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round. This defeat highlighted areas for improvement, but it also underscored the team's resilience and potential. Necas, in particular, has shown a knack for clutch performances, scoring nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, tying for the NHL lead in that span.
As the Hurricanes prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on building chemistry and integrating both seasoned veterans and emerging talents. The addition of Necas on a multi-year deal ensures that the team retains a dynamic scorer who can make a difference in critical moments.
In conclusion, the Hurricanes' decision to secure Martin Necas for the next two years reflects a strategic move to stabilize the team's core while navigating through a period of change. With skilled leadership from Eric Tulsky and the promising development of players like Seth Jarvis, Carolina aims to not just return to the playoffs but also make a deeper run in future postseason campaigns.