Martin Necas Likely Becoming a Valuable Trade Chip for the Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas is speculated to want a higher role in an NHL lineup. With the team dealing with a handful of free agents, Necas could be a trade chip.

The rumor winds have buffeted the Carolina Hurricanes since their recent elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs. The speculation increased after Don Waddell resigned last week as GM. 

Martin Necas has become a hot topic in the rumor mill. The 25-year-old forward is an RFA with arbitration rights this summer and could seek a raise that doubles his current $3-million cap hit. However, the Hurricanes are expected to prioritize re-signing UFA winger Jake Guentzel and fellow RFA Seth Jarvis.

Necas reached or exceeded the 40-point plateau in each of his last four seasons, including a career-high 71 points in 2022-23. He's said to be unhappy in his current role as a middle-six winger and could prefer earning top-six minutes as a center. His seven-point performance in five games for Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Championship could also boost his value.

The Hockey News' Harrison Clark cited The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta speculating the Bruins, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks could be interested in Necas. Michael DeRosa suggested the Bruins look into acquiring the Hurricanes winger while Spencer Lazary thinks the Utah franchise should target him. 

Max Miller noted Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reporting Necas was almost sent to the Canucks earlier this year in a deal that would've shipped Elias Pettersson to Carolina. Pettersson has since re-signed a long-term deal with the Canucks, but Friedman thinks they could try to bring Necas to Vancouver.

New Jersey Hockey Now's James Nichols felt that Necas could be a good fit among the Devils' top six but only at the right price. Montreal Hockey Now's Marco D'Amico reported a source claimed the Canadiens looked into the winger's availability and could have him on their short list of trade targets.

If there is as much interest in Necas as the rumors suggest, he'll become an invaluable trade chip for the Hurricanes. Their new management could stoke a bidding war to bring in a return that helps them now and in the future. 

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