Hurricanes’ Nečas Has Another Level to Reach – The Hockey Writers – Carolina Hurricanes

In what’s been quite a busy summer for the Carolina Hurricanes, one of the biggest storylines surrounding them throughout the offseason had been the future of star forward Marty Nečas. By all accounts a polarizing player within the fanbase, I don’t think any of the player’s truthers or doubters can deny his vaunted skill set. With a combination of blazing speed and high-end skill that is an extreme rarity in the sport, he’s a player that, many including myself would argue, still has a higher level to reach. Nečas himself even seems to agree with that.

In a recent interview for Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts, Nečas acknowledged that he has room for growth. “I didn’t have the best season [last year], wasn’t happy. But we turned the page, we figured out a way to stay,” he said. “I’ve got to be better. Be a player [that coach Rod Brind’Amour] can trust. I’m looking for a bigger role, I definitely want to play more, but obviously I’ve got to show it on the ice.”

Watching Nečas play, I’ve always felt that the biggest thing holding him back is his decision-making in key areas with the puck. Because of how fast he plays, it feels like sometimes he gets caught between two minds in terms of what he wants to do, and the end result is the wrong decision. Maybe it’s a confidence issue at times, or maybe it’s lack of chemistry with certain linemates. However, it’s evident how effective he is when things are clicking for him, as we saw with his team-leading 71 points in the 2022-23 season. That version of the player was lethal, and at age 25, there are still ways that the team can get him back to that level and even beyond.

Elevating Nečas at 5-on-5

A big factor in gaining the trust of a coaching staff, especially in a system like Brind’Amour’s, is bringing a positive impact at even strength. Interestingly enough, at 5v5 during the 2023-24 season, Nečas actually led all Canes forwards in ice time with an average of 15:07 per game, which alludes to the level of belief the team has in his game. Of course, he started over 60% of his shifts on the offensive side of the ice, which is not surprising considering the level of creativity he brings in an attacking sense; as evidenced below.