Canes finally strike a deal with dynamic RFA forward

Drafted 12th overall in the 2017 draft, Martin Necas was what most call a "late bloomer" in that he didn't make the full-time jump to the NHL until the age of 20. Coming off of his entry level deal that saw him post back to back 40+ point seasons, the expectation was that Necas and the Canes would find common ground on a bridge deal of some sort.

That is exactly what happened this afternoon as the two sides agreed to a 2-year deal with an AAV of $3M. Necas will still be an RFA at the expiration of the new deal but with have arbitration rights so he will have more options and negotiating power available to him than were available this time around.

Necas is a big bodied, middle-six forward that can play center or right wing for the Canes, but if needed has the ability to play higher up in the lineup. At just 23 years old, he will be an integral part of the Canes' lineup for years to come as they transition from newly acquired Max Pacioretty and captain Jordan Staal, who both have expiring contracts. With the salary cap not going anywhere, it's likely that at least one will not be back.