NHL Rumors: Analyst suggests that the Carolina Hurricanes might offer Martin Necas a $6,000,000 deal

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jul 25, 2024 07:43 GMT

Restricted free agent Martin Necas could get a $6 million offer from the Carolina Hurricanes, per NHL analyst Cory Lavalette.

Lavalette and fellow analyst Jason Gregor discussed the standoff between the Canes and Necas on the Sports 1440 show, suggesting that it could result in a one-year offer worth $5 to $6 million with neither side looking at a long-term deal.

As such, the offer makes sense, as both the Hurricanes and Necas wish to play it safe for now.

According to Lavalette, Necas wants to play center next season and that could pose a problem for the Hurricanes as he doesn’t fit coach Rod Brind’Amour’s vision.

"I think it will fall in the range of $5.5m-$6m on a one-year deal. I'm not sure either side is looking to go long-term. Necas wants to play centre, but I don't think that will happen based on how Brind'amour wants his centres to play," Gregor quoted Lavalette as saying.

The ongoing stalemate between the Hurricanes and Necas has led to trade speculation. There have been reports of several teams showing interest in Necas. Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the Buffalo Sabres are very high on that list.

Also, the Columbus Blue Jackets had a deal in place at the draft this June. However, the deal fell through at the last moment.

The Carolina Hurricanes seem more inclined to keep Necas for at least one more season. However, the possibility of a trade should not be ruled out until both sides agree on a long-term contract extension.

Martin Necas, Hurricanes headed for arbitration

Necas and the Hurricanes seem destined to land in arbitration. However, Canes General Manager Eick Tulsky is hopeful that isn't the case.

NHL.com quoted Tulsky on the matter, stating:

“We’re continuing to talk to his (Necas’) agent, trying to negotiate a deal.”

While the comments sound optimistic, the fact is that both sides seem to be quite far apart.

“Obviously, both sides would prefer that to going to a hearing, but arbitration creates a mechanism where if we can’t agree on a deal, then a third party settles the deal for us," Tulsky added. "So, one way or another, it will get settled.”

Whatever the arbitrator rules, both sides will have to abide. That situation means a one-year deal with the dollar figure established in arbitration.

Regarding Necas’ trade request, Tulsky said:

“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.”

By now the ship seems to have sailed on a trade for Necas. As such, the best course of action is working out a deal for this upcoming season. Whether or not that happens through arbitration, both sides must figure out something sooner rather than later.