Hurricanes GM Confident in Retaining Star Forward
Before NHL free agency began, it seemed almost certain that Martin Necas would no longer be with the Carolina Hurricanes by the start of training camp in mid-September. However, recent developments suggest a shift in the situation, according to Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky.
“[A new contract] will get done eventually,” Tulsky told Tom Gulitti of NHL.com. “He wants to be here forever. We want him here forever. We just have to agree on the right number. It could be a short-term deal followed by a longer-term one, or we might go for a long-term deal now. There are many ways to get it done, but no one doubts he’ll be here long-term. It’s just a matter of how the contract will work.”
Do you want your favourite team to acquire Martin Necas? #LetsGoCanes pic.twitter.com/qoQurziNqH
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 3, 2024
If this reflects Necas’s sentiments, it marks significant progress from the state of affairs following Carolina’s elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs by the New York Rangers in mid-May.
Reports at that time indicated that Necas was dissatisfied with his role and sought a team where he could be a more prominent offensive player. Despite this, no trade gained traction. Tulsky informed The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun before the draft that he would match any offer sheet for Necas and that the asking price in a trade exceeded the compensation for an offer sheet worth $9 million per year.
Now, it looks like Necas will achieve his goal of a larger role, but with Carolina rather than elsewhere.
“We have considered everything from a one-year to an eight-year deal,” Tulsky added. “Now it’s about finding a deal that works for both sides.”
Re-Signings and Departures: Carolina Hurricanes Free Agency Updates
July 17, 2024, was a significant day for the Carolina Hurricanes, marked by a major re-signing and a surprising departure.
The Hurricanes’ front office has been active throughout free agency and arbitration, with two ongoing arbitration cases: Jack Drury and Martin Necas.
JACK IS BACK 😤 pic.twitter.com/ylGeuphONo
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 17, 2024
Drury’s case was resolved with a two-year deal, much to the delight of fans. Drury, a fan-favorite, had a standout postseason, especially against the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. He was one of three remaining Hurricanes RFAs awaiting deals, alongside Necas and Seth Jarvis.
In a surprising move, the organization and Evgeny Kuznetsov mutually agreed to part ways. Rumors from Russian sources on July 16 suggested that Kuznetsov, with a year left on his contract, would leave to play in the KHL with SKA. His agent initially denied these reports.
Despite significant impacts from free agency, fans anticipated another season with “The Birdman.” Kuznetsov’s departure shocked both Washington Capitals fans, from where he was traded in the 2023-2024 season, and Carolina fans.
From the bird celly to the Kuzy crawl in the playoffs, thanks for all the fun! Best of luck, Kuzy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jcR9Ckp7lA
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 18, 2024
On July 17, Kuznetsov was placed on unconditional waivers, with the organization stating that the decision was mutual and “the best course of action for both parties.” His approximately $4 million cap hit is now available for other signings.
By July 18, Kuznetsov cleared waivers, and his contract was terminated. He is now an unrestricted free agent, with no updates on his next move in the NHL or KHL.
