Three Young NHL Forwards Who Could Be Trade Options This Summer Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas is one of the NHL's top trade candidates heading into the summer. Free agent forwards Jake Guentzel and Seth Jarvis (RFA) have become bigger priorities, so it's been speculated the Hurricanes are expected to listen to offers for Necas. Martin Necas [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2ODUxNzU2ODQ2NDkxMTA3/usatsi_23233910-1.jpg] Martin Necas With Necas being a 25-year-old top-six forward, interest in his services will be incredibly high. Because of this, let's discuss three specific clubs that could look to acquire the 2017 first-round pick. VANCOUVER CANUCKS The Vancouver Canucks are a clear potential landing spot for Necas. Elliotte Friedman recently shared [https://x.com/FAN590/status/1794044738137444636] that the Canucks like Necas as a player. In addition, the Canucks expressed interest in Necas when they had trade discussions with the Hurricanes about Elias Pettersson this season. Those, of course, came to an end when Pettersson signed his extension with the Canucks. Elias Pettersson [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0NzM3OTM1NTQxNTQ0NDQw/usatsi_22657384_168400847_lowres.jpg] Elias Pettersson While the Canucks ended up extending Pettersson, they could once again target Necas this summer. When looking at their free-agent forwards, they could lose multiple notable players. Elias Lindholm, Dakota Joshua, Teddy Blueger, and Sam Lafferty could all hit the market. When noting that the Canucks took a big step forward this year, they are in a prime position to make a big push for Necas. He would be great on a line with Pettersson, however, it would potentially cost them RFA defenseman, Filip Hronek. BOSTON BRUINS The Boston Bruins will look to improve their offense this summer. Besides adding a first-line center, the Bruins are also on the hunt for more scoring. Because of this, they have already been heavily connected to Necas. The Hurricanes could also view the Bruins as an ideal trading partner. Per Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/], the Hurricanes expressed interest in Bruins star goalie Linus Ullmark before the 2024 NHL trade deadline passed. With Ullmark still available, it is possible that they could resume talks. Martin Necas [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2ODYwNjA5ODQ3ODI5NTU1/usatsi_22945136.jpg] Martin Necas The Bruins have roughly $23.5 million of cap space [https://puckpedia.com/team/boston-bruins], so they are in a prime position to make a big push for Necas. He would be a significant addition to their top six and could create magic with stars David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. In addition, he would significantly improve their power play if acquired, which is an absolute necessity for Boston. MONTREAL CANADIENS While the Montreal Canadiens are rebuilding, they are expected to be aggressive this summer. Their goal is to become a bigger threat in the Eastern Conference, and they should look to add players who could help them in the long term. Necas would do just that. Martin Necas [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2ODYwNjIzNTM4MDM3ODEx/usatsi_20373343_168400847_lowres.jpg] Martin Necas NHL insider Pierre LeBrun recently reported [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiNjC--02Jk] that the Canadiens are one of the clubs who have an interest in Necas. When noting that they have a strong prospect pool, especially on the blueline, they could get the attention of Carolina as a potential trading partner. Necas would be a huge addition to the Canadiens' first line with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. However, if they wanted to spread their talent out a bit, he also could be a great player for young forward Alex Newhook to work with.
