Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The conference finals are almost nearing the end and the Stanley Cup Final is approaching. However, the offseason is in full swing for teams and the buzz regarding players is occurring. Today’s rumours swirl around the Montreal Canadiens and a young promising talent.
NHL Rumours
Rumour: Pierre Lebrun on TSN talks about the fit of Martin Necas to the Canadiens
The trade market for the NHL is going to be a big one. Big prominent names have already surfaced such as Mitch Marner and Linus Ullmark. One is a high calibre goaltender that won the Vezina Trophy during the 2022-23 season and the other is a dynamic top six forward. However, those two are not alone and are joined by another dynamic forward.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas’ name has surfaced a lot lately and he will have no shortage of suitors. Lebrun recently touched on that Necas has been part of potential trades before. When the Hurricanes were in the running for super star winger Matthew Tkachuk, Necas was part of the package. Also, this year’s deadline when the team was in the running for Elias Pettersson’s services, Necas was heading the other way.
Safe to say, he is a player that has been in the mix but now seems to be available. His dad said in an interview with @DenikSport that he wants to be traded. His dad also said that Necas wants to be on the top power play and play first line minutes. Lebrun has labeled a team that seems like a perfect fit for Necas.
Necas to the Canadiens Makes Sense
Credit to head coach Martin St. Louis, because what he’s done is good. Sure, the Canadiens haven’t reached the playoffs, but he’s seen his young players develop their games. Things are beginning to look promising for the Canadiens, as the young core is locked up for the foreseeable future. In addition, youthful reinforcements are on the way with Lane Hutson getting a taste of NHL level hockey. The NHL Rumours surrounding Necas to the Canadiens makes sense as Lebrun mentioned.
The Canadiens are the fourth youngest team in the league, as they average an age of 26.4. This is where adding Necas makes sense, as he is 25 years of age. However, it is more than his age that makes sense to bring him on.
Necas Adds Extra Element of Scoring
If Necas wants to play centre he has the ability to do so in Montreal. Slotting in front of or behind Captain Nick Suzuki would give the Canadiens a dynamic and young duo down the middle.
Necas has progressively gotten better with each passing season. He is a skilled winger that plays with great speed and can weave his way through the ice. Also, he is dynamic with open ice and is great to have on the ice for 3v3 overtime.
Necas had a career year in 2022-23, finishing with 28 goals and 71 points. Also, he surpassed the 20 goal mark for the second season in a row and had 53 points. He brings much needed production, as only four players finished the season for the Canadiens above 50 points. Also, only three were forwards. Necas easily becomes an added weapon for the Canadiens, as they aim to take the next steps as a franchise. Necas is a restricted free agent, so a new contract is in order.
Main Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
