Carolina Hurricanes
Necas Could Be Centerpiece of Trade with Two Active Teams
NHL insider Nick Kypreos believes Martin Necas could be the centerpiece of a big trade, with two active clubs potentially interested.
According to Nick Kypreos, Martin Necas is a player fans should watch in trade talks. Suggesting the forward has “cooled” and the Carolina Hurricanes could make a trade, the NHL insider pegged two active teams as possible fits.
He writes:
”The Hurricanes are rumored to be in the market for a star player to help them clear the playoff hurdle, and Necas could be a centerpiece in such a trade. Vancouver and Colorado are logical trade partners, with the Canucks previously expressing interest in Necas.”
Both the Canucks and Avalanche are active in trade talks. The Canucks have drama to deal with in the form of Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Meanwhile, the Avs have been looking for a center, knowing that Gabriel Landeskog is unlikely to return. And, with some uncertainty surrounding the future of Mikko Rantanen (a pending UFA), the Avalanche might really need some additional scoring.
Kypreos adds, “Despite a productive start to the season, Martin Necas’ performance has cooled, scoring just six points in his last 14 games. Signed to a two-year, $6.5 million AAV deal last summer, Carolina has yet to make a long-term commitment to the 26-year-old forward.”
Is Necas a Risk to Trade For?
There was a report in December from Elliotte Friedman that Necas informed teams that inquired about him in previous trades that he had no intention of signing past his current contract. He said as much to the Hurricanes when they signed him.
He intends to test free agency. That could be one of the reasons the Hurricanes might contemplate a trade and why some teams might be hesitant to trade for him. If Necas is determined to test the market, teams are essentially trading for a longer-term rental. There is a limit to what teams will give up knowing that.
Necas is on a reasonable deal. He’s a $6.5 million cap hit for this season and next. He’ll be seeking a substantial raise, but for the next two seasons, he’s a bargain. He’s got 51 points in 46 games. This is the first season, he’s on pace to break the point-per-game barrier.
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