The Carolina Hurricanes have made a decisive move to secure their offensive future by signing forward Martin Necas to a two-year, $13 million deal. This contract extension ensures that the 25-year-old Necas, a native of Czechia, will remain with the team through the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Necas has been an instrumental part of the Hurricanes' offensive lineup since being selected in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. The past season saw him notch an impressive 24 goals and 29 assists over 77 games, showcasing his ability to make significant contributions on the ice. However, his standout season was undoubtedly the 2022-23 campaign, during which he led the team with 71 points, coming from 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 regular-season games. His postseason performance was solid as well, scoring four goals in 11 games.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievements, Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky remarked, "Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick." Tulsky further emphasized Necas' importance to the team, stating, "He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we're excited to have a multi-year contract done."
Despite rumors of potential trades following Carolina's sixth consecutive playoff appearance, the management's decision to keep Necas underscores their confidence in his abilities and their commitment to building a winning team around him. This sentiment is particularly significant in light of the departures of key players such as Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce in free agency.
Carolina is also engaging in discussions regarding a new deal with restricted free agent Seth Jarvis. The 22-year-old has made an impact with his scoring ability, netting 33 goals and 13 playoff goals over his first three seasons. Retaining young talent like Jarvis, alongside veteran contributors like Necas, illustrates the Hurricanes' strategic approach to balancing experience with youthful energy.
The Hurricanes' playoff journey last season was cut short by the New York Rangers in the second round, but the team remains resolute in its pursuit of a Stanley Cup. Necas' proficiency in clutch situations is evidenced by his nine overtime goals since the 2020-21 season, a stat that ties him for the NHL lead during that time frame. Such prowess under pressure highlights his value to the team during high-stakes moments.
Eric Tulsky, who stepped into the GM role following Don Waddell's departure to Columbus, is tasked with steering the team through this transitional period. His decisions will be critical in shaping the Hurricanes' trajectory over the coming seasons. The retention of Necas, combined with efforts to secure Jarvis, indicates a focused strategy on maintaining a competitive edge.
The CANES fanbase has every reason to be optimistic as the team continues to solidify its core. The fans' trust in Tulsky’s leadership will likely grow if these moves translate into deeper playoff runs and, ultimately, championship success. Addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals, the Hurricanes' approach appears calculated and aimed at sustained excellence.
As the Hurricanes gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Necas and his teammates perform, particularly in the wake of significant roster changes. Balancing chemistry and performance will be crucial. With Necas now firmly part of the team's future plans, the Hurricanes can look ahead with confidence, aiming to build on their recent successes and make a more profound impact in the playoffs.