Carolina Hurricanes reveal asking price for RFA forward Martin Necas
NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed today that the Carolina Hurricanes are looking to make a so-called hockey trade this summer for RFA forward Martin Necas.
The 25-year-old is under team control thanks to his RFA status, but it appears as though the Hurricanes will not be able to afford his extension. As a result, they are looking to move him for other players that can contribute to their success in the short-term. This makes perfect sense considering the fact that the Hurricanes are still one of the top contenders for the Stanley Cup right now. They figure to remain in the top tier of teams for the next few seasons at the very least.
As the Hurricanes carry out trade talks with teams about Martin Necas, the word is Carolina is looking to complete a 'hockey trade' not a deal strictly for future assets. Teams like Nashville, Seattle, Montreal among those still believed to be in the mix.
Pagnotta has linked several teams to Necas including the Seattle Kraken, who are looking to get back into the playoffs next year after a disappointing campaign.
"Seattle seems to be a team to watch. Kraken GM Ron Francis doesn't let much out, but word around the NHL is he's pushing for a goal-scoring forward. As I reported on NHL Network yesterday, they've been tied to Martin Necas and Patrik Laine. I also wonder about Trevor Zegras."
That being said, the Kraken may not have the pieces the Hurricanes are looking for. The team has just eight forwards signed for next season, seven of whom have some form of trade protection. The only player signed for next season who doesn't have any kind of trade protection is rookie Ty Kartye. Similarly, Will Borgen is the team's only defenseman signed for next year with no trade protection. The Hurricanes likely won't be on too many no-trade lists, but this still puts the Kraken in a tough spot when it comes to making trades.
Necas had 24 goals and 53 points this season in 77 games. The previous year he set career highs with 28 goals and 71 points. He has certainly developed into a legitimate top-six scoring threat, but his defensive game lags behind.
Players with this kind of profile do not become available on the trade market very often, so many teams will likely be interested. Be sure to stay in the loop this summer as we are still expecting some major moves around the league, including Necas' eventual trade.
| POLL | ||
Who do you think the Carolina Hurricanes will trade Martin Necas to? | ||
| Predators | 10 | 7.6 % |
| Canadiens | 24 | 18.3 % |
| Kraken | 28 | 21.4 % |
| Somewhere else | 69 | 52.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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