The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed forward Martin Necas to a two year, $13M contract which will keep him with the club through the 2025-26 season.
Necas, who had been linked to a variety of trade rumours for the better part of the last year, will count for $6.5M AAV against the salary cap moving forward.
The 25 year old forward potted 24 goals, while adding 29 assists across 77 contests with the Hurricanes in 2023-24. Necas would also go on to add 9 points (4G, 5A) in 11 playoff games for Carolina as well.
The former 1st round draft pick was set to head to arbitration as a restricted free agent. However, reports had begun to surface that the 6’2″ Czech was growing tired of the lack of commitment from the organization, and may actually have been warming up to the idea of a change of scenery.
All of that is a moot point now, as Necas and Carolina’s front office have come to terms on a bridge deal for the time being.
“Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick,” new general manager Eric Tulsky said in a statement. “He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we’re excited to have a multi-year contract done.”
With one piece of business now complete, Carolina can now turn their attention to another budding offensive star in Seth Jarvis who is also in need of an extension sooner rather than later. However, while Necas always seemed destined for either a bridge deal or trade, Jarvis’ camp is reportedly holding out for a long term commitment in the 6-8 year range on the 22 year old’s next contract.
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