Report: Bruins among teams interested in Hurricanes star Martin Necas originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston.
The Boston Bruins need to land another top-six forward and add a little more speed to their lineup during the NHL offseason. Could Martin Necas be a realistic target for them?
The Carolina Hurricanes forward has been the subject of trade rumors over the past few weeks. He could become a restricted free agent this summer and the Hurricanes will have to decide whether he will be a part of their future.
Which teams might be interested if Necas becomes available due to the Hurricanes?
“The Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins are among the teams that have shown general interest,” The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday. “I’m not sure if they’re one of the five or seven that Carolina sees playing.”
LeBrun also said, “There’s no question he wants a change of scenery.”
Necas is only 25 years old, so from an age standpoint he would be an ideal addition to the Bruins’ core of David Pastrnak (28), Charlie McAvoy (26), and Jeremy Swayman (25).
The Czech forward is a versatile player who can play as a center, but he was primarily used as a winger for Carolina. The Bruins really need a top-six center after Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha struggled to score and generate offense at 5-on-5 during the playoffs.
Necas scored 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists) in 77 games last season. He tied his career highs with 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 games in the 2022–23 season. Necas had nine points (four goals, five assists) in 11 playoff games for the Hurricanes last season. It’s also fair to say that Necas is one of the fastest players in the league.
The Bruins currently have about $21.2 million in salary cap space, according to CapFriendly. They should re-sign goaltender Jeremy Swayman (RFA) and consider re-signing Jake DeBrusk (UFA), among other internal free agents.
If B acquired Necas, they would have to sign a new contract with him. It may be expensive, but considering his age and talent, signing a player of his caliber would be a truly powerful move. Necas is also familiar with Bruins forwards David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha. These three helped the Czech Republic win gold at the 2024 IIHF World Championship last month.
If the Bruins don’t make a deal for Necas, there are plenty of good free agents they could sign on July 1st. Some of the best forwards to hit the market include Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, Jonathan Marchessault, Tyler Toffoli, Chandler Stevenson and Anthony Mantha.
