Insider reveals three teams still in the mix for Carolina's Martin Necas

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Josh Tupper
June 23, 2024 (9:56)

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Less than a week remains until the NHL Entry Draft, and trade rumors are circulating the league, centered on Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes.

On July 1st, Necas will be eligible to become a restricted free agent, but it's highly likely that the Czech forward will already be playing for another NHL team.

Regarding Martin Necas's position with Carolina, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period provided an update on Saturday. He stated that the Hurricanes are seeking to make a hockey transaction and do not want a package that includes prospects and draft selections.

The Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and Seattle Kraken are among the clubs remaining in the running for Martin Necas, according to Pagnotta. All three teams are in need of scoring assistance this summer.

"As the Hurricanes carry out trade talks with teams about Martin Necas, the word is Carolina is looking to complete a 'hockey trade' not a deal strictly for future assets. Teams like Nashville, Seattle, Montreal among those still believed to be in the mix."

Necas, 25, had a decline in his total point total this season, but he nevertheless managed to achieve his second straight season with 20 or more goals. The Nove Mesto na Morave, Czech Republic native finished with 43 points (24 goals, 29 assists) in 77 games, 42 penalty minutes, and a minus-nine rating. In the remaining 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he scored nine more points.

The Montreal Canadiens are the team Pagnotta noted that is most in need of scoring support and a player to fit into their starting six. General Manager Kent Hughes would do well to add Necas to their starting lineup, which now includes Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Kirby Dach, and Alex Newhook.

Pagnotta says that the Canadiens remain in talks with the Anaheim Ducks about acquiring forward Trevor Zegras, who has two years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5.75 million.

"The Canadiens have continuously been linked to Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas and Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras and talks involving both players are believed to be ongoing." Pagnotta said.

We'll have to wait and see what happens with Martin Necas in the next few days, but it seems like the Carolina Hurricanes may be moving closer to dealing him, so it wouldn't be astonishing if something was done by the time the NHL Entry Draft begins on Friday.

Source: Blade of Steel
Insider reveals three teams still in the mix for Carolina's Martin Necas