NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes — Martin Necas addresses trade rumors out of Carolina Hurricanes with $4,387,500 contract nearing end

Martin Necas addresses trade rumors out of Carolina Hurricanes with $4,387,500 contract nearing end

Modified May 27, 2024 06:42 GMT

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas isn't concerned about his contract situation with the Canes as his current deal nears its conclusion. Necas has been the subject of trade rumors multiple times.

He's set to become a restricted free agent on July 1 when his three-year, $4,387,500 contract with the Hurricanes expires.

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Martin Necas is now basking in the celebration after Czechia's 2-0 win over Switzerland in the 2024 IIHF World Championships on Sunday. When asked about his contract situation, the 25-year-old seemed relaxed, saying (via NHL.com):

"We'll see what's going to happen," the 25-year-old forward said. "I don't really care right now.

"What's going to happen is going to happen. My agent is going to deal with that. We're going to figure it out. Now I'm going to celebrate this medal and I'm going to enjoy it for a while.

Necas reflected on the significance of winning the World Championship in front of the home crowd in Czechia:

"It's hard to describe it right now. As a young kid here in Czechia ... you always dream about two things since you were young. One of them is winning the Stanley Cup, which didn't happen obviously this year. It hasn't happened yet.

"But winning the World Championship at home, in front of our home crowd, this is something I would consider definitely all of our highlight of our career. It's something we will remember forever."

Martin Necas joined the Czechia squad after the Carolina Hurricanes were knocked out in the second round by the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

When asked if his lack of contract discussions for the upcoming season influenced his decision to join Czechia mid-tournament, the 25-year-old forward responded bluntly:

"Who cares? This is a thing that could only happen once in my life because you never know when it's going to be back, and if I'll be playing (in the) playoffs. I wasn't thinking about that. There was no doubt in my head that I wouldn't go.

Necas was drafted No. 12 overall by the Hurricanes in the 2017 NHL draft. He has been with them for the last seven years and appeared in 362 games, accumulating 243 points, through 97 goals and 146 assists.

"I'm proud of him": David Pastrnak on Martin Necas

Carolina Hurricanes v Boston Bruins - Game One (2020)

David Pastrnak scored a crucial goal in propelling Czechia to a 2-0 win over Switzerland in the IIHF final. This was also the first goal for the Bruins star forward in the tournament.

Pastrnak joined the squad after the Bruins were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in their second-round Eastern Conference semifinal. In the post-game media availability, Pastrnak expressed his contentment with Martin Necas joining the team:

"I'm proud of him," Pastrnak said. "It's hard to say no. We never play at home. We play overseas. Family always has to fly over to see us.

"This time we could come home and let them see us here. It was hard I think for him. I'm glad everything went well. He didn't get hurt, and he won the gold medal. Perfectly written script for him."

Martin Necas ended his seventh season with the Hurricanes by accumulating 53 points, through 24 goals and 29 assists, in 77 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he collected nine points, through four goals and five assists, in 11 games.