Following the expiration of his two-year, $6 million bridge deal with Carolina, Necas becomes a restricted free agency this offseason. The Hurricanes and Necas aren’t anticipated to reach an agreement on a new contract, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on the most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast.
Friedman remarked, “Necas, I have felt for a while that one just probably won’t work out there.” “I simply don’t think they’re going to follow Necas’s wishes.”
The 25-year-old Czech center Necas was first selected in the NHL draft, and there are rumors that he believes playing in the middle of the ice will be his path to success. For the majority of Necas’ previous five years with the Hurricanes, Rod Brind’Amour, the head coach of Carolina, has positioned him on the right wing, disagreeing with that evaluation thus far in Necas’ career.
Necas has been a prolific player for Carolina the past two seasons, leading to a breakout season in 2022–2023 with 71 points (28g, 43a). That season, he was the Hurricanes’ top scorer. This past season, he pitched in 53 points (24 assists, 29 steals) in 77 games for a Carolina squad that was deeper.
Necas’ next contract, in the event of a sign-and-trade, is expected by Evolving Hockey to be for seven years, with an average yearly value cap hit of approximately $7.5 million. With a number of key players on their roster, including Necas, Seth Jarvis, Jake Guentzel, Jordan Martinook, Stefan Noesen, Teuvo Teravainen, Jalen Chatfield, Brett Pesce, and Brady Skjei, all due for large raises or unrestricted free agency, the Hurricanes are anticipated to make major moves this summer. Jaccob Slavin, a top defender, is also eligible for an extension.
Moving Necas could be the team’s best and only option given the cap hit he will probably command and the way forward that seems unlikely to include him. Necas is a top sign-and-trade possibility, much like Nikolaj Ehlers of Winnipeg, which enables Carolina to maximize possible value and forge a long-term relationship with his eventual landing location.
Necas would immediately occupy a prominent slot at his preferred center position on the Capitals depth chart if things go as planned with him. After losing Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom in the middle of the defense, Washington is still getting over their loss of depth from the previous season, thus they have been relying a lot on individuals who aren’t used to playing in the top six.
In the event that the Hurricanes approve of an in-division trade, the Washington Capitals might be that landing site. Next season, Washington will have ample of cap room to accommodate a sizable cap charge. In addition, the Caps have accumulated a sizable sum of draft capital that Carolina may acquire in exchange without having to add more to their own cap.
In the event that the Hurricanes approve of an in-division trade, the Washington Capitals might be that landing site. Next season, Washington will have ample of cap room to accommodate a sizable cap charge. In addition, the Caps have accumulated a sizable sum of draft capital that Carolina may acquire in exchange without having to add more to their own cap.
In addition to TJ Oshie’s uncertain health, the Capitals will have room on the wing with players like Max Pacioretty and Nicolas Aube-Kubel likely to go in unrestricted free agency. For the time being, it is also anticipated that top prospect Ryan Leonard will play his sophomore season at Boston College.
