The Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move to secure their offensive future, signing forward Martin Necas to a two-year, $13 million contract. This deal will keep the 25-year-old Czech native with the team through the 2025-26 season, marking a pivotal moment in their offseason strategy.
Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Necas has continually proven his value on the ice. Last season, he amassed 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. His performance in the 2022-23 season was even more impressive, where he led the team with a total of 71 points from 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 regular-season games. Necas also demonstrated his clutch abilities, scoring four goals in 11 postseason games and tying for the NHL lead in overtime goals since the 2020-21 season with nine.
A Key Player for Carolina's Future
Speaking on the commitment to Necas, Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky noted, "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick. 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 signing is a welcome announcement for Hurricanes fans, especially considering the team's recent roster changes. The departure of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency left noticeable gaps that the franchise needs to fill. The agreement with Necas mitigates some of these concerns by ensuring that one of their top offensive talents remains in Raleigh.
Strategic Moves in the Offseason
Necas had been swirling in trade discussions largely due to Carolina's consistent playoff performances and their need to balance the roster. The Hurricanes' sixth consecutive playoff appearance ended in a second-round exit at the hands of the New York Rangers, highlighting the need for a balanced attack and reliable scorers.
Amid these changes, the Hurricanes are also in negotiations with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has shown promise with 33 goals in his first three NHL seasons, alongside an impressive 13 playoff goals, indicating his potential to thrive in high-pressure situations.
Leadership Changes and Future Prospects
The offseason also saw a major leadership shift within the Hurricanes' front office. Eric Tulsky ascended to the role of General Manager after Don Waddell's departure to Columbus. Tulsky is now tasked with navigating the team through these transitional times, maintaining competitive integrity while fostering the development of emerging stars like Necas and Jarvis.
The recent signings and ongoing talks signify a concerted effort by Tulsky and his team to assemble a formidable roster. The Hurricanes have consistently demonstrated their competitiveness in recent seasons, and their commitment to retaining and nurturing top talent like Necas speaks volumes about their aspirations.
The retention of Necas represents not just a tactical move, but a strategic affirmation of the Hurricanes' faith in their homegrown talent. By securing Necas, the Hurricanes have underscored their dedication to building a roster that blends experience with promising young players capable of stepping up when it matters most.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Hurricanes to see how these moves play out on the ice. With Necas locked in and ongoing negotiations with Jarvis, the Hurricanes appear to be on a path to sustain their recent success and potentially push further into the playoffs.