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Martin Necas discloses how close he was to leaving Canes before signing $13m extension
Martin Necas has shared how close he was to leaving the Carolina Hurricanes before signing a two-year, $13 million contract. The deal, finalized on July 29, ended uncertainty about his future with the team.
In Sunday's edition of "32 Thoughts" with Elliotte Friedman, Necas shared that staying with the Carolina Hurricanes was as likely as leaving.
"It was really 50-50," he said, referring to the intense talks between him and the team.
Necas was unhappy with his 2023-24 season performance and said:
"I didn't have the best season, wasn't happy. But we turned the page, we figured out a way to stay for two more years ... I feel like Carolina is my home. ... At the end of the day, I'm happy that I'm back and can prove to people there that I'm better than I was last season. I'm excited, I'm pumped."
Necas' performance declined last season, with his production dropping to 24 goals and 29 assists, down from 28 goals and 43 assists the previous year. His average ice time also decreased to 17:21 per game, compared to 18:25 in the 2022-23 season. This season, Necas played mainly as a winger, different from his previous role as a center, where he had performed better.
Martin Necas on resolving issues with Rod Brind'Amour
In late May, reports indicated that several teams, including the Winnipeg Jets and the Columbus Blue Jackets, showed serious interest in Martin Necas. His father had publicly criticized the Hurricanes for how they used his son, which added to the uncertainty.
The Hurricanes had even considered trading Necas to other teams. However, Necas chose to stay, believing he still had much to contribute to the team that drafted him 12th overall in 2017.
A key factor in Necas' decision was his relationship with head coach Rod Brind'Amour. Despite some tensions during the season, Necas is confident they can resolve any issues.
"I never had a problem with Rod off the ice, we've always been good to each other. I've got to be better. Be a player he can trust. I'm looking for a bigger role, I definitely want to play more, but obviously I've got to show it on the ice, and I already talked with Rod," Necas said.
Necas plans to make the most of the next two years with his new contract. He is focused on improving his game and helping the Hurricanes.
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