As we rapidly approach the NHL Draft and the beginning of free agency, the rumours continue to fly regarding everything from trades to signings and beyond. One name that has been the subject of a rumour almost daily has been Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes. A RFA needing a new contract this offseason, multiple factors have arisen to cause Carolina to field trade offers for the talented forward. While reports indicate that many teams have inquired about Necas at multiple degrees of seriousness, this edition of NHL Rumours looks at one other team looking to return to the playoffs that may be in the fold now too.
NHL Rumours
The New Jersey Devils Looking at Martin Necas
Rumour: Frank Seravalli mentioned that the New Jersey Devils may have dangled the tenth overall pick in a potential offer for Martin Necas but Carolina is still analyzing their offers.
Analysis: New Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky certainly has his hands full this offseason. Not that he is new to the game entirely, but with all of the free agent decisions as well as potential trades, there doesn’t seem to be much time for sleep. Not to mention the added pressure of feeling like the team keeps getting close to the ultimate goal but falling a touch short. As far as trading Necas, Tulsky seems to have some bargaining power as the demand appears to be high for the 25 year old Czech forward who passed the 70 point mark two years ago. But as it gets closer to the Draft, the pressure may be on to make a trade. This is especially true for a team using their 2024 first-round pick as a trading piece.
As Carolina continues to field and analyze offers for Necas, this one is certainly intriguing. For starters, the tenth overall pick is nothing to scoff at. Could Carolina use it to find another Seth Jarvis? Possibly. Here at Last Word on Hockey, our prospects writers picked Zeev Buium for the tenth spot. And there are definitely some other intriguing options. But the reality is that most likely any player picked at ten will take some time before reaching the NHL. Maybe not a lot of time, but likely some. And as is the case with all picks and prospects, they are futures so nothing is guaranteed.
What’s It to Carolina
For Carolina, this type of deal would likely have to include something additional. Necas has more of a guaranteed type return and as the Hurricanes continue to make a push towards the Stanley Cup, they are likely more interested in impactful roster players than picks. But you have to look at this like chess. This move by itself does not have to provide that roster player but could become a piece to a larger framework to acquire a different player. Carolina has to consider the potential cap savings as well. Now this becomes tricky if the trade happens as New Jersey is set to make the tenth pick unless it’s a three way deal. And that could be something the Devils wait to do.
If Carolina pushes for a roster player from New Jersey, Alexander Holtz might be available but his value to Carolina is likely a little questionable as he seems to be more of a high risk high reward type option. Carolina may have serious interest in this deal if a player like Dawson Mercer was thrown in there but whether New Jersey entertains that is another question. Mercer is a RFA needing a new deal as well but would likely come at a lower price tag than Necas. He is a right handed centre which is something Carolina is looking at.
What’s It to New Jersey
As Seravalli mentioned, the Devils hold the tenth overall pick this year and may be willing to part with it in a move for Necas. Previous reports indicated that this pick has been in play for the right deal for some time now. The tenth pick is a good asset with value, but the Devils are looking to make the playoffs again, and go far, sooner rather than later. After the 2022-23 season was a success, last season they fell short and missed the playoffs altogether. Injuries and shaky goaltending seemed to be big factors for that and the Devils have made quick work to shore up their goaltending by acquiring Jacob Markstrom. But they are looking to improve their roster.
Putting Martin Necas on the Devils would likely see him in their top-six instantly. Arguably his greatest asset is his straight away speed so him playing with Jack Hughes could be a sight to see. Even though there’s a new coach behind the bench, the Devils have shown they are not afraid to play a high tempo game and Necas would fit that style. As stated above though, Carolina may be looking for something additional that provides more immediate help.
Could the Devils and Hurricanes make these NHL rumours come true? As in every trade, each side will need to figure out what it’s worth to them and have a “meeting of the minds.”
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
