Martin Necas: Contract Extension with Carolina Hurricanes Likely…
This NHL off-season is full of intriguing developments, with numerous rumors about potential transactions involving young talent.
A standout in these discussions is Carolina Hurricanes’ Czech forward, Martin Necas. The 25-year-old has been at the heart of trade rumors, especially since the off-season began. Initially, Necas was linked to several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, and nearly joined the Columbus Blue Jackets during the draft. It seemed almost certain that Necas would leave Carolina.
However, the situation has quieted recently, with no new updates since it was revealed that Necas might enter arbitration for his next contract. Now, current reports suggest Necas is likely to stay with the Hurricanes, potentially signing a one- or two-year extension via arbitration.
For @TheAthletic: Martin Necas’ future and notes from development camp.https://t.co/ROekaSGGdc
— Cory Lavalette (@corylav) July 14, 2024
This marks a significant shift from the earlier 90% chance of Necas leaving to a 90% chance of him remaining with Carolina. What caused this change? The Hurricanes’ roster looks different after the draft and the opening of the free agent market.
Carolina lost key players like Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay), Teuvo Teravainen (Chicago), and Stefan Noesen (New Jersey), creating significant gaps in their lineup. These departures, along with the team’s increased payroll space, make Necas’s return more plausible.
According to Cory Lavalette from The Athletic, most NHL teams have already finalized their rosters for the upcoming season, leaving Carolina with the opportunity to secure Necas on a one- or two-year deal through negotiation or arbitration. This would offer Necas a prominent role in the NHL’s top six, surrounded by high-caliber players. With approximately $14 million in cap space, the Hurricanes could sign Necas for around $6 million annually, allowing them to also secure Seth Jarvis and Jack Drury to bridge contracts.
In conclusion, Necas is likely to remain with the Hurricanes for the 2024-2025 season, filling a crucial spot in their lineup. This development puts to rest many of the trade rumors that have been circulating.
