The Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move to secure their offensive prowess by signing forward Martin Necas to a two-year, $13 million deal. This contract guarantees that Necas will remain with the Hurricanes through the 2025-26 season, solidifying a crucial component of the team's lineup.
Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has proven to be an indispensable asset for the Hurricanes. Drafted in the first round in 2017, he has steadily developed into a high-impact player. Last season, Necas notched 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently at a high level.
His contributions in the 2022-23 season were particularly noteworthy. Necas scored 28 goals and 43 assists, leading the team with a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games. His performance extended into the postseason, where he added four goals over 11 games, demonstrating his ability to deliver in critical moments.
Eric Tulsky, the General Manager of the Hurricanes, lauded Necas's skill and importance to the team. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," Tulsky 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."
The decision to secure Necas comes amidst a period of significant change for the Hurricanes. Tulsky assumed the role of General Manager after Don Waddell departed for Columbus. This transition in leadership coincides with the departure of key players Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency, signaling a pivotal moment for the organization.
Despite these departures, the Hurricanes are actively working to retain and build upon their core talent. The team is currently in talks to finalize a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Jarvis, who has scored 33 goals and an additional 13 in playoff action over his first three seasons, represents a crucial part of the team's future offensive strategy.
Necas's new contract puts to rest any trade speculations that had surrounded him following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance. The Hurricanes were ousted by the New York Rangers in the second round last season, a result that underscored the need for stability and skill in the roster.
In addition to his regular season and playoff contributions, Necas has shown a remarkable knack for delivering in overtime. Since the 2020-21 season, he has scored nine overtime goals, tying for the NHL lead in that span. This clutch performance capability is precisely the quality the Hurricanes need as they aim to surpass their recent playoff performances.
As the Hurricanes look to the upcoming seasons, securing Necas ensures they have a reliable and talented forward who can influence the game in multiple ways. His skill set, from scoring to playmaking, combined with his experience and consistency, makes him a cornerstone player for Carolina.
With the new contract in place, the focus now shifts to how Necas and his teammates can build on their past successes and navigate the challenges ahead. The retention of key players like Necas and potentially Jarvis underscores the Hurricanes' commitment to competitiveness and their pursuit of excellence in the NHL landscape.
In the ever-competitive world of professional hockey, maintaining a balanced and skilled roster is critical. The Carolina Hurricanes, through strategic signings and diligent management under Eric Tulsky, are positioning themselves to be formidable contenders in the seasons to come.