Report: Bruins among teams interested in Hurricanes star Martin Necas originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins need to acquire another striker in the top six and add some more speed to your lineup during the NHL off-season. Could Martin Necas be a realistic target for them?
The Carolina Hurricanes forward has been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks. He could become a restricted free agent this summer, and the Hurricanes will have to decide if he’s a part of their future.
If the Hurricanes make Necas available, which teams might be interested?
“The Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins are among the teams that have expressed general interest.” The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday. “Whether they are among the five to seven that Carolina considers compatible, I’m not sure.”
LeBrun also noted, “There’s no doubt he wants a change of scenery.”
Necas is only 25 years old, so from an age perspective, he would be an ideal player to join the Bruins’ core of David Pastrnak (28), Charlie McAvoy (26) and Jeremy Swayman (25).
The Czech forward is a versatile player, capable of playing as a center, but has mainly been used as a winger in Carolina. The Bruins really need a top-six center after Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha struggled to score goals and generate offense at 5-on-5 during the playoffs.
Necas had 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists) in 77 games last season. He set career highs with 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 games during the 2022-23 campaign. Necas scored nine points (four goals, five assists) in the Hurricanes’ 11 playoff games last season. It’s also fair to say that Necas is one of the fastest players in the league.
The Bruins have about $21.2 million in salary cap space right now, by CapFriendly. They need to re-sign goaltender Jeremy Swayman (RFA) and consider re-signing Jake DeBrusk (UFA), among other internal free agents.
If the B’s were to acquire Necas, they would have to sign him to a new contract. That could be expensive, but given his age and talent, acquiring a player of his caliber would be a very strong move. Necas also knows Bruins forwards David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha. The three helped the Czechs win the gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Championship last month.
If the Bruins don’t make a deal for Necas there are plenty of good free agents who could be available on July 1st. Top forwards who could hit the market include Steven Stamkos Elias Lindholm Sam Reinhart Jake Guentzel Jonathan Marchessault Tyler Toffoli, Chandler Stephenson and Anthony Mantha.
