It’s no secret that Martin Necas was frustrated over the 2023-24 season, and it showed in his play. The season before, it seemed Necas had finally broken through. With 71 points in 82 games during the 2022-23 season for the Carolina Hurricanes, the potential turned into real success for the Czech winger. Then last season happened.
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In a contract year, Necas faced injury issues and dropped down to 53 points in 77 games. He played well in the playoffs with nine points in 11 games, but the regular season left a bad taste in his and the fans’ mouths. However, some underlying numbers showed some reason for optimism. The points were not there, but the chances were. According to Natural Stat Trick, Necas’ individual high-danger chances only dropped from 66 to 60 and he created 12 more rebounds from the season before. The chances were there, just not quite going in.
After a disappointing playoff loss to the New York Rangers, Necas joined the Czech national team at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships in his home country. With seven points in five games, he helped lead Czechia to their seventh IIHF Gold medal. After the World Championships and celebrations subsided, the rumor mill began to swirl.
Would the team be willing to sign him to a long-term contract? Would Necas want to sign? Would the team move on from him via trade? Everything was up in the air. Even his father spoke through the Czech media saying that Martin was frustrated, and wanted first-line and first power-play group minutes.
Eric Tulsky, Meet Martin Necas
Well, eventually, a deal got done. On July 29, Necas signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Hurricanes. A “prove it” deal that will carry him to free agency in the summer of 2026.
“It was just up and down, up and down,” said Necas of his prior season. “I wasn’t happy about it. I had some good games and had some bad games. I can be better” (from ‘How the Hurricanes’ Martin Necas is approaching the new NHL season,’ News and Observer, September 23, 2024).
Early returns so far this season show, Necas is proving it.
Playing alongside Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jack Roslovic to start the season and now with Eric Robinson, Necas has five goals and 10 assists through the first nine games….
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