Bruins are one of the teams interested in Martin Necas, a star for the Hurricanes.
The Boston Bruins need to add a little more speed to their lineup and acquire another top-six forward during the NHL summer. Is Martin Necas a viable target for them?
For the past few weeks, trade speculations around the forward for the Carolina Hurricanes have been circulating. The Hurricanes must determine whether to keep him in the fold when he becomes a restricted free agent this summer.
Which teams would be interested in acquiring Necas if the Hurricanes did make them available?
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic on Thursday, “the teams that have shown general interest are the Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins.” “Whether they are among the five to seven Carolina sees as matches, I’m not sure.”
“There is no doubt that he desires a change of scenery,” LeBrun added.
Necas is only twenty-five years old, so he would be a perfect addition to the Bruins’ core of David Pastrnak (28), Charlie McAvoy (26), and Jeremy Swayman (25).
Although the Czech attacker can play center field, Carolina has primarily utilized him as a flank. Since Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha found it difficult to score goals and create offense in 5-on-5 situations during the playoffs, the Bruins are in desperate need of a top-six center.
In 77 games during the previous season, Necas totaled 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists). In 82 games during the 2022–23 season, he recorded career highs of 28 goals and 43 assists. During the Hurricanes’ 11-game playoff run this past season, Necas recorded nine points (four goals, five assists). Necas is among the fastest players in the league, it’s also reasonable to mention.
As of right now, CapFriendly estimates the Bruins’ salary cap space at $21.2 million. Jeremy Swayman (RFA), the goalie, and Jake DeBrusk (UFA), among other internal free agents, must be re-signed.
The Bruins would need to sign Necas to a new contract if they were to acquire him. That could be pricey, but considering his age and skill level, getting a player of that type would be a very wise choice. Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak, two forwards for the Bruins, are also known to Necas. At the 2024 IIHF World Championships last month, the three of them assisted Czechia in taking home the gold medal.
On July 1, a number of talented free agents could become available if the Bruins are unable to reach an agreement with Necas. A number of elite forwards, including Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, Jonathan Marchessault, Tyler Toffoli, Chandler Stephenson, and Anthony Mantha, are expected to be available.
