Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas remains a topic of trade speculation, with many NHL teams said to be interested in the RFA. Martin Necas [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2OTg2ODEzMTY2ODU1MjE5/usatsi_22392069.jpg] Martin Necas It's been over a week since we noted that Martin Necas could become a valuable off-season trade chip [https://thehockeynews.com/news/martin-necas-likely-becoming-a-valuable-trade-chip-for-the-hurricanes] for the Carolina Hurricanes. Since then, the 25-year-old RFA forward has become a hot topic of trade rumors among NHL pundits. The Hockey News' Carolina site editor Ryan Henkel said [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/state-of-the-roster-carolina-hurricane-rfas] Necas' talent isn't widely available and that while the Hurricanes don't have to trade him, they'd want a high-end player who can keep the team's Cup window open. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli had Necas sitting at No. 4 on his list of off-season trade targets [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/trade-targets-decision-time-looms-for-maple-leafs-and-mitch-marner]. Earlier this week, he anticipated a flurry of activity before the Stanley Cup final, claiming teams were keen to get their hands on the Hurricanes winger and suggesting he could be moved as early as Saturday [https://x.com/DailyFaceoff/status/1797659587325395084]. Seravalli mentioned the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Columbus Blues Jackets as potential suitors. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman appeared on CHEK-TV's Donnie & Dhali show to discuss the Canucks' link [https://x.com/DonnieandDhali/status/1798098651774079310] to Necas. He claimed the two clubs had discussed a trade earlier this season involving Elias Pettersson that would've included Necas in the return. That deal is off the table with Pettersson having re-signed with the Canucks. Friedman believes it will be harder for Vancouver to acquire Necas now. He said the Hurricanes set a high asking price and would want one or two of the Canucks' top prospects as part of the deal. Friedman doesn't believe offering defenseman Filip Hronek can get it done. The Calgary Sun's Wes Gilbertson thinks the Flames would be very interested [https://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/5-flames-storylines-june/wcm/1b741c77-d198-49ce-8044-9739af50626c] in Necas. However, he felt there would be concerns over the Hurricanes' asking price and the cost of re-signing him. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5541393/2024/06/04/nhl-rumblings-zegras-marner-saros/] the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers were among the clubs inquiring about Necas. He isn't sure the Czech winger would be the right fit for the Flyers, considering the Hurricanes' “apple-for-apple” ask. TVA Sports' Jean-Charles Lajoie believes [https://www.tvasports.ca/2024/05/31/il-faudra-donner-xhekaj-pour-avoir-necas] the Canadiens would have to part with promising defenseman Arber Xhekaj plus a first- or second-round pick to get him. Appearing later in the week on The Jeff Marek Show, Friedman wasn't sure [https://www.sportsnet.ca/590/jeff-marek-show/the-latest-with-elliotte-friedman-who-will-be-the-last-man-standing-from-the-2003-draft-whats-next-for-necas/] the Canucks and Canadiens had the pieces to land Necas. Marek noted the Buffalo Sabres had plenty of prospects and draft picks to use as trade bait, but he doubted those assets would work for the Hurricanes. Friedman and Marek noted the Boston Bruins could attempt to trade Linus Ullmark, noting that the two sides had discussed the 30-year-old Vezina Trophy winner before the March trade deadline. The Hurricanes will be in the market for a reliable starter to share the goaltending duties next season with Pyotr Kochetkov. Ullmark could be a good fit there, provided Carolina is among his acceptable trade destinations. The Hurricanes could want him to sign a contract extension. Meanwhile, The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner thinks Necas would be a strong fit [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-martin-necas-carolina-hurricanes-brock-nelson-jean-gabriel-pageau] with the New York Islanders. He noted that former Hurricanes GM Don Waddell stressed the club's need for a right-shot center to balance out their left shots. Rosner wondered if Jean-Gabriel Pageau would interest the current Hurricanes management. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..].
