The Carolina Hurricanes have made waves in the NHL by securing forward Martin Necas with a two-year, $13 million deal. This contract ensures the talented 25-year-old from Czechia will remain with the Hurricanes through the 2025-26 season.
"Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick," said Hurricanes General Manager Eric 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."
Drafted in the first round in 2017, Necas has steadily developed into one of the Hurricanes' most dependable forwards. This past season, he recorded 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games. His performance in the 2022-23 season was even more impressive, tallying 28 goals and 43 assists, leading the team with a total of 71 points in 82 regular-season games. In the postseason, he contributed four goals in 11 games.
Necas has also proven himself in clutch situations, amassing nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, which ties him for the NHL lead in that span. His ability to perform under pressure has been a crucial asset for the Hurricanes, who have consistently made playoff appearances in recent seasons.
Despite his consistent performance, Necas was the subject of trade discussions following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance. The team's early exit at the hands of the New York Rangers in the second round left many questioning what changes might be needed for a deeper postseason run.
As the Hurricanes navigate these uncertainties, the roles and contributions of key players become ever more critical. The franchise has seen the exit of notable players like Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency, adding more weight to Necas's role in the team.
Beyond Necas, the Hurricanes are also in talks with 22-year-old restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. Over his first three seasons, Jarvis has scored 33 goals and added 13 playoff goals, showing plenty of promise for the future. Securing Jarvis will be another critical step for Carolina, underscoring their focus on maintaining a strong, competitive roster under Tulsky's management.
Eric Tulsky's recent assumption of the General Manager role, following Don Waddell's departure for Columbus, marks a new chapter for the Hurricanes. Tulsky's strategic decisions, including securing Necas and potential deals like that of Jarvis, will shape the team's trajectory in the coming years.
The Hurricanes' commitment to talent and strategic play is evident in these moves. As they aim for continued success with players like Necas leading the way, fans can look forward to an exciting future for the team.