Early expectations for Martin Necas
Despite the Carolina Hurricanes turning to trades and free agency to stock their forward group, one of their shiny new difference makers could have already been in house.
October 16th, 2018: it was probably the exact opposite of how Martin Necas imagined his first NHL goal would be celebrated. The greatest moment of his career to that point, rewarded with one of his worst. As a teammate, a family member, a friend, or even a Carolina Hurricanes fan or a distant supporter, you had to feel sorry for Necas.
In case you’ve forgotten, let me remind you. The Hurricanes had just finished off the 7th game of the season, a hard-fought 4-2 loss in Tampa Bay. Down 2-1 late in the 2nd period, Necas flew up the ice, flanking Warren Foegele. Foegele delivered a perfect pass to Necas, who one-timed his first NHL goal past Louis Dominigue.
Unfortunately, he followed that up with taking a bad penalty early in the 3rd period, which Tyler Johnson took advantage of and sealed the game for Tampa. Little did Necas know at the time, that would be the last shift play he would for the Hurricanes this season. The day after scoring his first NHL goal, he was demoted to the AHL. Talk about highs and lows.
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The demotion could’ve demoralized Necas, who dominated the Czech league as a 19-year old the previous year, but he used it as motivation to fine-tune his game. With Charlotte, under coach Mike Vellucci, Necas made big strides defensively and proved his potency as an attacker.
After scoring one goal and one assist in seven games with the Hurricanes, he went to the AHL and was an instant force. His 36 assists were good for fourth amongst AHL rookies, and he also added 16 goals for 52 points in 64 games. Not bad for a teenager playing his first pro season in North America.
So when will we see him in NHL? The answer is probably now. His blazing speed, vision, and creativity would be a more than welcomed addition to solve the Hurricanes’ powerplay woes. He played on the wing a lot for Charlotte, so he can be eased in as an RW for the Canes – who lack right-handed forwards.
I won’t project how the lines might shape up, but, assuming Necas makes the team (which is a good bet), he’ll likely flank Jordan Staal or Erik Haula on the 2nd or 3rd line, as a winger, and get time on the 1st or 2nd powerplay unit. I would imagine with those opportunities, it would be quite reasonable to expect a 30-40 point season from Necas as a rookie, with the majority of those points being assists.
A lethal playmaker, Necas uses his tremendous speed, elusiveness, and an elite vision to create chances for his teammates. In the future, it’s easy to envision Necas as the 1B center to 1A Sebastian Aho. Those two guys have the potential to be elite scoring centers, and the Canes will be in great shape with those two leading the way. This season may give us a real glimpse into that future.
What are your early expectations for Martin Necas this season? Leave your comments below!