The Carolina Hurricanes have locked in a crucial piece of their lineup by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million contract. This deal ensures that the 25-year-old native of Czechia will remain with the Hurricanes through the 2025-26 season, providing continuity and skill to a team that has been in the playoff hunt for the past several years.
Necas, who was drafted in the first round in 2017, has developed into a formidable offensive presence. Last season, he notched 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. His previous season was even more impressive, as he led the team with 28 goals and 43 assists, accumulating a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games. Necas also contributed four goals in 11 postseason games, further showcasing his value in critical moments.
Speaking about the new deal, Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky said, "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick." This sentiment underscores Necas's role in the team's strategy moving forward. "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done," Tulsky added.
Necas has been one of the league's most clutch performers in recent years, with nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, tying him for the NHL lead in this category. His knack for scoring in high-pressure situations is invaluable for a team that plans to continue its quest for a deep playoff run. However, his future with the Hurricanes wasn't always certain. Following the team's sixth consecutive playoff appearance, Necas was frequently mentioned in trade discussions, raising questions about whether he would remain a Hurricane.
The Hurricanes have witnessed significant changes in their lineup this offseason. Key players like Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce exited in free agency, creating a need for the team to solidify its core talent. The Hurricanes are also in talks to secure a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis, who has already shown promise with 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons. The potential addition of Jarvis would add another layer of depth to the roster.
The team's front office has also seen a shift in power dynamics. Eric Tulsky took the reins as General Manager after Don Waddell's departure for Columbus, marking a new era in leadership for the team. Tulsky's quick action in re-signing Necas signals a proactive approach in maintaining the Hurricanes' competitive edge.
Despite their promising regular-season performance, the Hurricanes were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round last season. This early exit has fueled the team's determination to come back stronger. Securing Necas, a proven scorer and clutch performer, seems to be a step in that direction.
The excitement around Necas's re-signing is palpable among fans and the organization's leadership alike. Maintaining talents like Necas is vital as the Hurricanes aim to build on their recent successes and push deeper into the playoffs. With Necas’s scoring ability and Tulsky’s strategic vision, the Hurricanes appear well-positioned for the challenges ahead.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Hurricanes leverage their roster changes and continue their playoff quest. Necas's presence will undoubtedly play a crucial role in those efforts, ensuring that fans in Carolina have much to look forward to in the coming years.