NHL: St. Louis Blues at Carolina Hurricanes - Source: Imagn — Martin Necas has been standout this season for Carolina Hurricanes despite offseason complications (image credit: IMAGN)

Martin Necas makes his feelings known on sticking with Hurricanes following offseason trade saga

Modified Nov 27, 2024 18:30 GMT

Martin Necas recently spoke about his experiences over the past six months. In an interview on "Daily Faceoff" on Tuesday, he reflected on his offseason, which was filled with uncertainty. As a restricted free agent, Necas was unsure about his future. He wanted a larger role and even requested a trade but by the end of the offseason, Necas re-signed with the Carolina Hurricanes for two years at a $6.5 million AAV.

"I had no idea what was going to happen, but I was a restricted free agent, and then free agency happened and then it looked like I was going to stay," Necas said. "I was really happy to stay and kind of prove people wrong, happy I could be here for two more seasons, just playing in the moment."

Martin Necas is coming off a disappointing season where his point total dropped from 71 to 53. However, after staying with the Hurricanes, things have changed for the better. He’s playing a bigger role, full of confidence and is now among the NHL’s top performers. He is tied for the scoring lead with 35 points, including 12 goals in just 21 games.

"I love hockey," Necas said. I don’t just play because (my job is) a hockey player. I enjoy it. To keep playing like this, and I’m an offensive player and I’m playing in those situations when you get to score and you’re out there for your power play, it’s really fun. It’s a way different feeling."

Martin Necas' turnaround has been remarkable. He is playing a key role in the Hurricanes’ success this season. His performance includes 16 power-play points and a plus-8 rating. As his contract expires in 2026, his outstanding play will make him a strong candidate for a bigger extension.

Martin Necas scored the game-winner to defeat Stars

The Carolina Hurricanes won 6-4 against the Dallas Stars on Monday. Martin Necas scored the game-winning goal late in the third period with a power-play deflection off Ilya Lyubushkin’s skate. Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net goal to seal the win.

Sebastian Aho had a goal and three assists. Seth Jarvis, who returned from injury, scored and added two assists. Aho’s one-timer early in the third made it 3-2 but Brent Burns tied the game at 3-3 with his first goal of the season. Shayne Gostisbehere gave the Hurricanes a 4-3 lead with a power-play goal before Miro Heiskanen tied it for Dallas at 4-4. Tyler Seguin, Mason Marchment, and Heiskanen scored for the Stars. Spencer Martin made 15 saves in the win.