Entering July, it seemed only a matter of time until Martin Necas was traded. The 25-year-old winger's future with the Carolina Hurricanes was the subject of considerable media speculation.
Martin NecasJames Guillory-USA TODAY Sports James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Necas remains a fixture in the rumor mill but no longer seems to be as certain a trade candidate as he was two weeks ago. On July 5, he filed for salary arbitration, setting a deadline for himself and the Hurricanes to reach an agreement on at least a one-year contract. He's coming off a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3 million. The Hockey News' Carol Schram observed it's coming down to crunch time for Necas and the Hurricanes. She estimated a short-term deal could come in at around $6.2 million annually, while a long-term contract could net him around $7.5 million per season.
Schram pointed out the Hurricanes must also re-sign RFAs Seth Jarvis and Jack Drury, with the latter filing for arbitration, too. A significant raise for Necas could hamper efforts to get Jarvis and Drury signed, suggesting cost certainty could lead to a Necas trade.
Necas could still attract interest in this summer's trade market. The Hockey News' Alex Tumalip felt the Utah Hockey Club could be in the mix to snag the Hurricanes winger. He's also been linked to the Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens.
However, the Hurricanes could also have the incentive to retain Necas for at least this season. Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon speculated Jake Guentzel's departure could have them circling back to Necas. The Athletic's Cory Lavalette believes the best opportunity to move him has passed, as most teams have used up their cap space, adding players via trades and free agency. Lavalette thinks there's a path for the Hurricanes to sign Necas to a one-year deal between $5.5 million and $6.5 million. That would leave enough to re-sign Jarvis and Drury to bridge deals.
Drury, 24, is coming off a three-year deal with an average annual value of $925,000 and shouldn't be expensive to sign despite his filing for arbitration. The 22-year-old Jarvis rose up the ranks among Hurricanes forwards, but he's coming off an entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. That should make it easier for management to sign him to an affordable bridge deal.
