Hurricanes make major decision on Martin Necas amid trade rumours

The 25 year old restricted free agent was the topic of serious trade rumours in the last few weeks, as it looked like the relationship between the Hurricanes and Necas was becoming contentious. After moving on from GM Don Waddell, perhaps the relationship was mended and the two parties agreed to a short-term fix with this contract.

Necas was drafted 12th overall by the Hurricanes in the 2017 Draft, and looks to be a budding star in the NHL. Last season, he scored 24 goals and 53 points in 77 games, a decrease from his career high in points the year before with 71. A deal was exceptionally tough to make for the Hurricanes, who believed they would be selling low on the player.

For Necas, this deal looks to be a major loss. He was looking for between $8-9M over a long term contract, and requested a trade when that wasn't offered. No takers bit to trade for him, and now he's signed to a more team friendly deal at $6.5M.

With this signing, the Hurricanes will retain a significant portion of their offence that makes them one of the best teams in the league. For years analysts and fans have thought it'd only be a matter of time before Carolina broke through for a Stanley Cup, and now the pressure will be mounting as their stars demand higher value contracts. The Hurricanes need to win in the next few years, or things could go south quickly.

Source: Elliotte Friedman