**Report: Bruins Among Teams Interested in Hurricanes’ Martin Necas**
The Boston Bruins are in need of another top-six forward and a bit more speed as they head into the NHL offseason. One potential target for them is Carolina Hurricanes’ star Martin Necas.
Necas has been surrounded by trade rumors recently. As he is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, the Hurricanes must decide if he remains a part of their long-term plans.
Which teams might pursue Necas if the Hurricanes decide to trade him?
“The Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins have all shown general interest,” reported Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic on Thursday. “It’s unclear if they are among the five to seven teams Carolina considers a match.”
LeBrun added that “it is beyond a doubt he wants a change of scenery.”
At 25, Necas would fit well with the Bruins’ core, including David Pastrnak (28), Charlie McAvoy (26), and Jeremy Swayman (25).
Necas, a Czech forward known for his versatility, has mostly played as a winger in Carolina but can also play center. The Bruins are in need of a top-six center, as Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha struggled offensively in the playoffs.
Last season, Necas recorded 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists) in 77 games. He had career highs of 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 games during the 2022-23 season and contributed nine points (four goals, five assists) in the Hurricanes’ 11-game playoff run. Additionally, Necas is considered one of the league’s fastest players.
Currently, the Bruins have about $21.2 million in salary cap space, according to CapFriendly. They need to re-sign goaltender Jeremy Swayman (RFA) and potentially re-sign Jake DeBrusk (UFA), along with other internal free agents.
Acquiring Necas would require signing him to a new, likely expensive, contract. However, his age and talent make him a valuable addition. Necas also has a rapport with Bruins forwards David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha, as they won gold together for Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Championships.
If the Bruins do not acquire Necas, there are several notable free agents potentially available on July 1. Top forwards who might enter the market include Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, Jonathan Marchessault, Tyler Toffoli, Chandler Stephenson, and Anthony Mantha.
