May 22, 2024 | 10:06am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

COULD NECAS BE ON THE MOVE THIS SUMMER?

Martin Necas, forward

The Carolina Hurricanes are going to have an active off-season with multiple key pending free agents eligible to hit the market July 1.

Aside from their eight soon-to-be unrestricted free agents, forwards Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas can become restricted free agents if unsigned.

The Hurricanes have prioritized getting Jarvis locked up to a new deal, while the future of Necas seems to be a little hazy.

It had been reported during the season that Carolina was willing to explore trade calls involving Necas, who was also linked to the Vancouver Canucks when, at the time, the Hurricanes made inquiries about Elias Pettersson before he signed his extension.

Necas is believed to want a higher role on the Hurricanes and while he is arbitration eligible, Hurricanes GM Don Waddell told the media on Monday the team remains high on him.

“He’s an exceptionally skilled player that has a lot more to give in my own opinion,” Waddell said, as quoted by the Raleigh News & Observer. “We’ll figure out something with him.”

Necas’ father, Martin, recently spoke with Denik Sport and indicated his son’s preference for more powerplay time and to be utilized on the club’s top line, prompting speculation that Necas would welcome a change of scenery. Two separate sources have told TFP recently that Carolina is open to exploring a move, though Waddell would not get into details.

“I don’t have enough toes and fingers to tell you how many players have walked into my office about being traded,” Waddell said. “We’re not opposed always to trading players, but you also have to look at the value of what you’re getting back for players. Marty’s an exceptionally skilled guy that you’re just not going to give up on, that’s for sure.”

Necas’ versatility is attractive to other clubs, as he can play both centre and the wing, though he’s mostly been used as a winger under head coach Rod Brind’Amour.

With around $30.9 million in salary cap space for the 2024-25 season, the Hurricanes may not have the necessary funds to keep everyone and moving Necas before he inks a new deal could fill some voids potentially left by players leaving via free agency.

Several teams are believed to have varying levels of interest in Necas, including the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks and Utah.