Carolina Hurricanes GM confirms they "have put everything on the table" to retain Martin Necas

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jul 19, 2024 22:50 GMT

Martin Necas' future with the Carolina Hurricanes looks more certain after a trade speculation-filled summer. General manager Eric Tulsky indicated that while trades are still possible, Necas will likely stay with the team.

The Carolina Hurricanes are focused on signing Necas and Seth Jarvis, their remaining restricted free agents. They terminated Evgeny Kuznetsov's contract recently.

Necas has an arbitration hearing on August 4, so signing him is urgent. Especially since Jack Drury avoided arbitration by signing a two-year, $3.45 million contract.

"It is a lot easier to make trades before July 1 when teams have flexibility to go pivot and sign other players to replace whatever they gave up than it is after July 1 when their roster is mostly built," Tulsky said (via NHL.com).

"We are continuing to talk to teams, and we don't want to miss an opportunity to make the team better, but teams have less flexibility now than they had in June, so it's harder to find a deal now than it was then."

Trade rumors surrounded Necas in the off-season, with reports suggesting that he wanted a fresh start. The 25-year-old had a productive 2023-24 season, scoring 24 goals and 53 points in 77 games. He also added four goals and nine points in 11 playoff games.

Tulsky noted that while there is still time for changes, the roster is likely set.

"I think we're comfortable with what we have," he said. "Our focus is on getting our last couple of RFAs signed."

Tulsky hopes both sides can agree on a contract before then. Options range from a one-year deal to eight years.

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Dominik Badinka relishes the challenge with Carolina Hurricanes after the 2024 NHL Draft

Dominik Badinka, the Carolina Hurricanes’ top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft (No. 34 overall), embraced the challenge at the team's development camp with confidence.

Despite initially hoping for a first-round selection, Badinka expressed satisfaction with his placement in the second round and enthusiasm about joining the Hurricanes.

"I was thinking I was going on the first day basically, so the first day was tough," Badinka said (via NHL.com). "But the second day, I was so happy this team chose me. Now I'm happy to be here."

Last season, Badinka played for Malmo’s junior team and the Malmo Redhawks in Sweden’s top league. He had four points in 33 games. Carolina Hurricanes assistant GM Darren Yorke also praised Badinka’s mobility and defensive skills.

"There's no hesitation when (teammates) turn around and cut back," Yorke said. "He's able to read where the routes are and (get them) the puck. He sees his options. He has the poise to accept the forecheck and look through the progressions. He really has the tools that are needed to be a strong defenseman in the NHL."

Now fully committed to North American hockey, Badinka has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.