Will the Carolina Hurricanes Trade Martin Necas This Summer?
Amidst the whirlwind of contract signings during the NHL’s free agent market, questions persist about the Carolina Hurricanes’ plans for Martin Necas. Necas, 25, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. He became a significant topic of trade rumors following the Hurricanes’ elimination from the 2024 playoffs, amid speculation about his dissatisfaction with his role on the team.
It was widely expected that Eric Tulsky, the new GM of the Hurricanes, would trade Necas before or during the recent 2024 NHL draft. Jason Newland from The Hockey News cited Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, who reported that the Hurricanes were close to a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets involving Necas and the Blue Jackets’ first-round pick (fourth overall) in this year’s draft.
Negotiations advanced to the point where Necas was allowed to speak with the Blue Jackets, but ultimately, no trade materialized, and Columbus used their pick to draft promising center Cayden Lindstrom.
It’s important to note that Don Waddell, the former GM of the Hurricanes who stepped down in late May, is now with the Blue Jackets. He had a strong working relationship with Tulsky, suggesting a future deal involving Necas remains possible. Tulsky emphasized that “there’s definitely more work to be done” during a media address on the team’s free agency signings, including Jake Guentzel.
Friedman also speculated that Tulsky might reconsider trading Necas after Guentzel declined a contract extension, leading the Hurricanes to trade his signing rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning just before free agency began. In his “32 Thoughts” column, Friedman pondered the possibility of Necas going to arbitration, with both sides accepting the arbitrator’s decision or negotiating a one-year contract.
Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News mentioned that Tulsky briefly addressed Necas’ situation in his July 1 press conference, stating that he’s working with Necas’ agent to find a resolution. Once the team handles their unrestricted free agents (UFAs), they will focus on restricted free agents (RFAs) like Necas to secure deals.
Necas has been linked to several teams in trade rumors leading up to July 1, including the Blue Jackets, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks. However, many of these teams have since addressed their forward needs through free agency and now lack the cap space to add another player. With fewer potential trade partners available, Tulsky might have no choice but to re-sign Necas and see how the next season unfolds.
