This former Boston Bruins trade target will be staying put with the Carolina Hurricanes.
During the beginning stages of the 2024 NHL Offseason, the Boston Bruins were among the many teams that expressed interest in Carolina Hurricanes star Martin Necas. It was understandable, as wingers like Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen had expired contracts and were set to hit the market on July 1.
While the Bruins were highly interested in Necas, they ultimately went in a different direction once free agency arrived. They opted to focus on the center and defense positions, signing Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov on July 1. While they still have cap space after all their summer moves, star goalie Jeremy Swayman is expected to take up a significant portion of it. Thus, a potential deal for Necas was no longer in the cards for Boston.
Martin NecasHowever, a Necas trade to any club before the start of the season is now very unlikely. The 25-year-old winger signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Hurricanes on Monday.
Given the Hurricanes' current position, it is understandable that they have decided to hold onto Necas. Their forward depth took a major hit this offseason, as Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and Stefan Noesen found new homes in free agency. In addition, Evgeny Kuznetsov's contract was terminated.
It will be interesting to see what happens next with Necas and the Hurricanes. While a trade before the start of the season is unlikely, talks could begin again once we get to next summer. With this being a bridge deal, he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2025-26 season.