Carolina Hurricanes refusing to bend the knee for Martin Necas

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Josh Tupper
July 19, 2024 (6:27 PM)

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Martin Necas to Stay with Carolina Hurricanes for 2024-25 Season, Confirms GM Eric Tulsky

After a whirlwind of trade rumors over the past month, it appears that Czech forward Martin Necas will remain with the Carolina Hurricanes as they gear up for the 2024-25 NHL season. In a recent interview with NHL.com, Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky provided clarity on the situation, emphasizing the team's focus on stability and signing their remaining restricted free agents.

Tulsky expressed confidence in the current roster, which includes securing contracts for Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis. He mentioned that, unless an unforeseen opportunity arises, Necas will stay in Carolina to begin the season.

"I think we're comfortable with what we have," Tulsky said. "Right now, our focus is on getting our last couple of RFAs signed. We are continuing to talk to teams about trade possibilities and looking at what's left out there. There is time left in the summer, so we are still looking under every rock trying to make the team better. But I think the most likely outcome right now is that we have our group unless something surprising comes up."

Tulsky highlighted the challenges of making significant trades post-July 1st. After teams invest heavily in free agents, their cap situations often become more restrictive, complicating the potential addition of a high-value player like Necas, who is expected to receive a substantial salary increase through arbitration next month. Despite ongoing discussions, the timing and financial constraints make a trade less feasible at this stage.

"It is a lot easier to make trades before July 1 when teams have flexibility to go pivot and sign other players to replace whatever they gave up than it is after July 1 when their roster is mostly built," Tulsky said, per NHL.com. "We are continuing to talk to teams, and we don't want to miss an opportunity to make the team better, but teams have less flexibility now than they had in June, so it's harder to find a deal now than it was then."

While it seems likely that Necas will stay with the Hurricanes as they start the 2024-25 campaign, his name may continue to circulate in trade rumors as the season progresses and the trade deadline approaches.

The Hurricanes are looking to solidify their roster and build on their current strengths. Keeping Necas, a key player, is part of that strategy. However, in the dynamic world of professional sports, unexpected changes can always occur.

For now, fans can expect to see Necas don the Hurricanes jersey as they aim for success in the upcoming season.

Source: TSN
Hurricanes likely to hold on to Necas after rumour-filled summer