The Toronto Maple Leafs have started over after losing in the first round of the playoffs once more. They have already removed Sheldon Keefe from his position as head coach and installed Craig Berube in his place. Before the team takes the ice for the 2024–25 season, more changes are anticipated.
After losing in the second round, the Carolina Hurricanes will also be trying to bolster their squad, and the Maple Leafs should keep an eye on a guy they might not be able to bring back. Martin Necas, a forward who is a prospective restricted free agent, has become the subject of several rumors.
Eliotte Friedman expressed his opinion that Necas will not remain in North Carolina in a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. Although the Hurricanes might make an effort to re-sign him, he might be able to go undrafted this offseason or be traded if they choose to present a qualifying offer to him.
Necas’ circumstances should be examined by the Maple Leafs as they are ready to extend an offer to either him or the Hurricanes. He is a talented two-way forward who might make a significant impact in the postseason and improve their middle-six depth. He scored 24 goals and 29 assists in 77 games last season, which was a little less than his 71 points in the previous campaign, but he still had an outstanding defensive game.
Necas contributed a lot of offensive productivity during the playoffs in addition to his solid defensive play. Despite playing in just 11 games, he contributed five assists and four goals. The Maple Leafs have been a formidable regular-season club for the past few years, but they just can’t seem to finish strong in the postseason. When they return to the postseason, having a player like Necas in the mix could be the secret to their success.
Necas’ Effect In light of the hurricanes
Necas, a right-shot forward of 25 years old, was selected by the Hurricanes with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the premier division in Czechia with HC Kometa Brno during his draft year, amassing seven goals and fifteen points in 41 games. During the 2018–19 American Hockey League (AHL) season, he participated in his first full season of professional hockey in North America with the Charlotte Checkers, recording 16 goals and 52 points in 64 games. In the 2019–20 season, he gained a berth on the Hurricanes and hasn’t let up since.
Necas has averaged 0.67 points per game across portions of seven seasons, with 97 goals and 243 points through 362 games. He has continuously shown that he is a valuable player wherever he is placed in the lineup, and in a few seasons, he might develop into one of the best top-six forwards in the league. He might be used in the Maple Leafs’ top six, but he already possesses the ability to make an impact on any line.
Necas and Teuvo Teräväinen were tied for third place in the Hurricanes’ point total this season. You would imagine he would be a key component of the team’s future as they aim to field a stronger roster and make the playoffs the following season, but nothing is certain. Even as a young star, he has improved and is still growing.
What Role Does Necas Play in the Maple Leafs?
Necas might get a chance to start on the second line for the Maple Leafs next season, but it’s difficult to predict where he might fit in. His versatility as a player—which the Maple Leafs will undoubtedly try to exploit—allows him to play both up the middle and on the wing. Necas might sneak in on the second line and force John Tavares to the third line because Auston Matthews is the team’s best centerman. Necas might also get an opportunity to play with Matthews on the first line if the Maple Leafs move Mitch Marner during the offseason.
Necas’s fate will be determined by the team’s remaining actions. However, he would give the Maple Leafs’ lineup much-needed versatility in the upcoming campaign. If they make the necessary adjustments, they should be able to add Necas to a roster that has the potential to win a title. If he and the Hurricanes are unable to reach a deal by the time free agency begins and he becomes available, maybe they will leap on him.
