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All the rumors and speculation surrounding Carolina Hurricanes' center Martin Necas were put to rest on Monday. The Hurricanes sealed the deal by extending Necas to a two-year, $13 million contract with an annual average value of $6.5 million.
Necas, who was a restricted free agent earlier, had filed for salary arbitration earlier this month. By securing the forward for two more years, the Hurricanes and Necas avoided arbitration.
Throughout the ongoing offseason, Necas was one of the biggest names to watch in the market, with swirling rumors hinting at a possible departure. Several teams expressed interest in him, with the Atlantic Division's Buffalo Sabres emerging as a potential close contender in acquiring Necas.
However, as per Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, Necas blocked the trade to the Sabres. Speaking on Daily Faceoff's "DOF" podcast on Monday, the Insider said (via NHL Trade Rumors):
"Draft week, I believe the Buffalo Sabres had a deal in place with Carolina to trade for Marty Necas — I think it was Buffalo — there was one team for sure they had a trade agreed to, and Necas would not agree to sign a deal with that new team, and that ended up scuttling the trade."
Martin Necas was drafted No. 12 overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2017 NHL draft and has been with the club since then. He has racked up 243 points through 97 goals and 146 assists in 362 career games.
Last season, Necas accumulated 53 points through 24 goals and 29 assists in 77 regular season games.
Hurricanes GM sees Martin Necas as 'immensely' skilled player
General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed high praise for Necas, highlighting his exceptional skills as a player and his ability to pose a threat whenever he has the puck.
Tulsky emphasized Necas' importance and shared his excitement about finalizing a multiyear contract with him (via NHL.com):
“Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick,” Tulsky said. “He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we’re excited to have a multiyear contract done.”
Necas and the Hurricanes will be up against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2024-25 season opener on Oct. 11 at home at PNC Arena.
