The Carolina Hurricanes have locked in their rising star, Martin Necas, with a two-year, $13 million contract. This deal secures the forward’s presence on the team through the 2025-26 NHL season, ensuring that one of their most crucial offensive assets remains in Raleigh.
Necas, a 25-year-old native of Czechia, has been instrumental in Carolina's recent successes. Drafted in the first round in 2017, he's developed into a formidable player. Last season, he contributed 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. The 2022-23 season saw even greater heights as he led the team with 71 points from 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 regular-season games. His postseason performance was notable too, with four goals over 11 games.
Despite being a centerpiece for the Hurricanes, Necas's future was uncertain at times. He had been part of trade discussions following the team's sixth straight playoff appearance. However, the franchise's commitment to retaining him was underscored by Eric Tulsky, the General Manager of the Hurricanes. "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," Tulsky remarked. "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 stepped into the GM role after Don Waddell departed for Columbus, faces both challenges and opportunities. The Hurricanes saw the exit of cornerstone players like Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency. Yet, the signing of Necas represents a significant step in maintaining the team's competitive edge.
In addition to locking in Necas, Carolina is actively engaged in negotiations with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Over his first three seasons, Jarvis has notched 33 regular-season goals and 13 playoff goals. His potential renewal adds another layer to the team's offensive strategies.
The Hurricanes’ recent playoff journey ended in the second round at the hands of the New York Rangers. Despite this setback, the franchise continues to vie for improvement and consistency. Necas’s performance, particularly his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season—tying for the NHL lead in this period—demonstrates his clutch capabilities. His contributions in high-pressure moments significantly bolster the team's morale and performance.
Looking ahead, the Hurricanes’ forward lineup, reinforced by Necas's signing and the prospects of securing Seth Jarvis, positions them as a formidable contender in the upcoming seasons. With Tulsky at the helm and a strategic vision that includes retaining key talent, Carolina aims to build on their recent playoff experiences and push further towards Stanley Cup aspirations.
Martin Necas stands as a testament to the Hurricanes’ strategic planning and commitment to fostering young talent. As the puck drops on the new season, all eyes will be on Raleigh to see how this blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars navigate the challenges ahead.