The job of any general manager in the NHL is to look at the present and protect the future of the organization. Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell is no different from the others in the league.
It is difficult to avoid getting lost in the urgency of a Stanley Cup run but that is why they get paid the big bucks!
Some teams will fall under the “contender” title and be much more willing to add veterans and contracts to win in the short term.
On the other hand, a team can be titled in “rebuild” mode where the team will look to add assets in draft choices and prospects at the cost of veteran talent. The long-term look at the organization is in full force.
Despite the excitement of a championship chase, the future comes all too quickly in sports, and the veteran’s age and cap space disappears when you need it the most.
Waddell is in a position of adding to his already first-place squad but not at the risk of the future of the franchise.
Expiring contracts help clear the path for future preparation but also present a challenge with the cap when a player is producing for more than his current salary.
Martin Necas falls under this category in a big way. Currently Necas makes just $3 million a year until he is a restricted free agent after next season.
Necas is tied for the team lead in points with 52. His 23 goals and 29 assists are all career highs.
To put things in perspective, newly acquired Jesse Puljujarvi makes the same as Necas and has just 14 points. Puljujarvi’s career high in points since entering the league in 2016 is 36 points.
Necas is due a big raise and that will need to come soon before he even sniffs the restricted free agent market.
The potential acquisition at the deadline would need to fall in plan for the massive extension that Necas is owed.
So when the rumors are swirling around players with term in their contracts, it is important to remember that Necas and other players will be due for a pay increase.