The Carolina Hurricanes have taken a decisive step to secure their future by signing forward Martin Necas to a two-year, $13 million deal. This contract will see the talented Czech native in Hurricanes' colors at least through the 2025-26 season, cementing his role as a cornerstone of the team's offense.
At just 25 years old, Necas has already established himself as a critical player for Carolina. Drafted in the first round back in 2017, he has steadily developed into a formidable scoring threat. Last season, he tallied 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net. His performance in the 2022-23 season was even more impressive, with Necas leading the team with 71 points—28 goals and 43 assists—in 82 regular-season games.
However, Necas’s contributions are not limited to the regular season. In the postseason, he continued to deliver, scoring four crucial goals in 11 games. Since the 2020-21 season, his ability to perform under pressure has been highlighted by his nine overtime goals, tying him for the NHL lead in that span.
"Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," stated Eric Tulsky, the General Manager of the Hurricanes. "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 new contract comes at a pivotal time for the Hurricanes, who have recently seen the departure of key players such as Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. This exodus has placed additional pressure on the management to lock down their remaining talent and ensure stability moving forward. In this context, retaining Necas was paramount for Tulsky, who took over as GM following Don Waddell's departure to Columbus.
Necas had also been the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance and their subsequent ousting by the New York Rangers in the second round. Despite this, the Hurricanes recognized the value he brings to the team and moved quickly to secure his future with the franchise.
Looking ahead, the Hurricanes are also reportedly in talks to finalize a deal with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. In his first three seasons, Jarvis has proven his potential, scoring 33 goals and adding 13 playoff goals to his tally. Securing Jarvis would add another layer of depth and young talent to the Hurricanes' roster, fortifying their competitive edge in the seasons to come.
As Carolina navigates the complexities of free agency and player contracts, the commitment to Necas signifies a clear strategy: build around a core of promising talents who have already shown they can deliver results. Despite recent departures, the team aims to remain competitive in a highly demanding league.
With Necas secured, the focus can now shift towards maintaining and enhancing the team's overall competitiveness. Tulsky’s comments underline the organization's belief in Necas's skill and potential, ensuring fans that the franchise is committed to building a successful future around its young stars.
In an ever-evolving NHL landscape, the Hurricanes' strategic commitment to retaining key player Martin Necas not only showcases their dedication to success but also sets the stage for an exciting and competitive future.