The Carolina Hurricanes have bolstered their offensive lineup by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million contract. This pivotal deal ensures that the talented forward will remain with the Hurricanes through the 2025-26 season.
Hailing from Czechia, the 25-year-old Necas has become an integral part of the Hurricanes' roster since being drafted in the first round back in 2017. Last season, he showcased his remarkable skills by netting 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. This was a follow-up to his even more impressive performance during the 2022-23 season, where he scored 28 goals and added 43 assists, leading the team with a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games.
Necas's postseason contributions haven't gone unnoticed either. During the last playoff run, he scored four goals in 11 games, reinforcing his reputation as a clutch performer. Known for his prowess in overtime situations, Necas has tallied nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, tying for the NHL lead in this category.
Despite his value to the team, Necas had been the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance. However, the Hurricanes' General Manager, Eric Tulsky, has made it clear that Necas is a cornerstone of the franchise's future.
"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."
Tulsky, who took over as GM after Don Waddell departed for Columbus, is navigating a challenging offseason. The team saw the exit of several key players, including Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce, in free agency. Despite these losses, Tulsky remains focused on building a competitive roster.
A significant part of this effort involves negotiating a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis has shown great promise in his first three seasons, scoring 33 goals and adding 13 playoff goals. Securing Jarvis would further solidify the Hurricanes' offensive depth and youthful talent.
Last season, the Hurricanes were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs, highlighting the need for strategic moves to enhance their postseason performance. With the new contract for Necas and ongoing negotiations with Jarvis, Tulsky is setting the stage for another strong campaign.
Necas's two-year extension not only secures a vital player but also sends a message to the team and fans that the Hurricanes are committed to maintaining a competitive edge in the league. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how these roster changes translate on the ice.