The Carolina Hurricanes have solidified their future offensive core by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million contract. This significant move ensures that the prolific scorer remains with the team through the 2025-26 season, continuing his tenure with the franchise that drafted him in the first round in 2017.
A Rising Star
Martin Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has rapidly established himself as a key player for the Hurricanes. Last season, Necas accumulated 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, contributing effectively to the team’s performance. However, it was the 2022-23 season that truly underlined his value, as he led the team with 71 points, comprising 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 regular-season games.
Eric Tulsky, the General Manager of the Hurricanes, emphasized Necas’s importance to the team. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," he said. "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done."
Clutch Performer
Necas has not only proven his worth during the regular season but also in critical moments. Since the 2020-21 season, he has scored nine overtime goals, tying for the NHL lead in this span. His clutch performance continued into the postseason, where he notched four goals in 11 games. This knack for timely scoring has made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of Carolina's forward lineup.
Challenges and Changes
The signing of Necas comes at a crucial time for the Hurricanes, who face significant changes in their roster. The team saw the departure of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. Additionally, Carolina was ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs last season, marking their sixth consecutive playoff appearance but falling short of ultimate glory.
Amidst these shifts, the spotlight has also turned to other potential signings. The Hurricanes are currently in negotiations with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis, who has scored 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons, is seen as another vital piece for the team's future.
New Leadership
These roster maneuvers coincide with changes in the Hurricanes' leadership. Eric Tulsky has stepped into the role of General Manager following Don Waddell’s move to Columbus. Tulsky’s decision to secure Necas speaks volumes about his vision for the team and commitment to maintaining a competitive edge.
“We believe in building around players who demonstrate skill and resilience,” Tulsky commented. His proactive approach in offering Necas a multi-year deal underscores his strategic focus on retaining top talent.
Looking Forward
As the Hurricanes prepare for the upcoming season, the retention of Martin Necas is a clear statement of intent. The Czech forward’s continued presence promises exciting prospects for the team’s offense. With Necas locked in, the focus now shifts to potential reinforcements and how the new leadership will navigate the challenges ahead.
Necas's new contract and the ongoing talks with Jarvis could define the team's trajectory. If Carolina succeeds in bolstering their roster while maximizing the talents of their core players, they may well continue their streak of playoff appearances and potentially achieve greater success.
In an ever-competitive NHL landscape, the Hurricanes’ moves in this offseason could set the stage for a pivotal year. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team aims to build on their solid foundation and strive for excellence in the seasons to come.