In the heart of Raleigh, NC, where the echoes of the storm surge rumble through PNC Arena, Martin Necas is etching himself into the storied Carolina Hurricanes’ history as a young hockey sensation. His name is becoming increasingly synonymous with on-ice skill and a dynamic future that holds the promise of being the best offensive player on this dynamic Hurricanes’ roster.
At just 24 years old, Necas has begun to display flashes of skill and finesse that shows the type of player he is on his way to becoming. Since signing a two-year bridge deal in 2022, Necas has begun to show just how pivotal he is to the team’s success. But just what sets him apart and makes him the prime candidate to become the team’s premier player?
Firstly, it’s Necas’ electrifying speed and playmaking ability that is able to surprise. A prime example of this is his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 1st, 2023, in which he makes a nifty move through the Vegas defenders and fires a laser-sharp shot glove side past Adin Hill. His effortless strides up the ice combined with quick puck handling allows him to swiftly create scoring chances for himself and his team. Whether setting up his teammates with a perfectly timed pass or burying the puck in the net himself, Necas is proving that he possesses the tools to become a true offensive catalyst for a team who’s notable issue is goal scoring.
However, Necas’ recent success is not without his challenges. One noticeable aspect of his game is that his mind and his skates are not on the same page. His anticipation and creativity are great strengths but have led to occasional, sometimes costly mishaps. At times, particularly in this past season in Svechnikov’s absence, he’s caught trying to make the “perfect play” which results in turnovers or missed opportunities. It’s an old problem, but it is this potential for error that hints at something greater.
Furthermore, Martin Necas’ dedication to improvement is evident. In his interviews, he has noted that he wants to become ‘the guy,’ someone who shows up when it matters. Finishing the regular season as the Canes’ leading scorer with 71 points (28G, 43A), he has shown that he is on the right path to becoming that type of player. He continues to elevate his game, grow in confidence, and displays the potential to become the most skilled offensive player on this team.
Martin Necas was two tallies shy of the 30-goal mark last season — is 2023-24 the year he hits it? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/sD8oVYjf9q
— NHL (@NHL) August 22, 2023
As the 2023-24 season approaches, the Hurricanes have been noted favorites to win the silver trophy. The future is bright in Raleigh, and at its core is young, dynamic players such as Necas, a young star on the cusp of greatness. With his remarkable skating ability, speed, and hockey IQ, there’s no doubt that Necas is going to be key to the upcoming playoff run, and if he’s able to go beyond last season’s performance, he might just be the final piece in what this team needs to capture the ultimate prize: The Stanley Cup.