Potential trade : Martin Necas with the Habs next year?
The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, reportedly has genuine intentions towards Hurricanes' number 88, Martin Necas. At least, that's what TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie claims.
This statement by the beat journalist for the Tricolore is enough to intrigue fans.
Eliminated from the playoff picture for a third consecutive season after the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, many fans of the Habs hope to see a significant acquisition, much like Jeff Gorton did with the New York Rangers. Kent Hughes' predecessor made acquisitions of defenseman Adam Fox and Russian superstar Artemi Panarin, both of whom transformed the organization's outlook the following season.
What strategy will Kent Hughes adopt?
Since his arrival, the general manager has pulled off two masterstrokes. The acquisitions of Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, two young talented players who have left their mark on the offensive top six. According to Renaud Lavoie, Kent Hughes' next target could be forward Martin Necas, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.
At 25 years old, Martin Necas has collected 71 and 53 points in the last two seasons respectively. Salary cap constraints and recent acquisitions by Don Waddell suggest that tough decisions lie ahead.
Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Seth Jarvis, Jack Drury, Jordan Martinook, Martin Necas, Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, Tony DeAngelo, and Jalen Chatfield will all be free agents this summer.
Defensive play is Rod Brind'Amour's trademark. Choices will be agonizing for the organization, as salary cap constraints will pose the biggest challenge for Waddell.
As reported by Habsolumentfan.com, Renaud Lavoie stated on TVA Sports that Hurricanes' number 88 could be available as the Hurricanes will have many tough decisions to make ahead of the next season.
The Habs have a strong bank of young players and draft picks, two elements that could greatly interest Kent Hughes' counterpart.
Will Kent Hughes be tempted by Martin Necas this summer?
Interest must be present. However, one must not be naive. There is resentment on Waddell's side. One remembers the history between him and Bergevin. Bergevin had made a hostile offer to Sebastian Aho, and two years later, Don Waddell returned the favor with a hostile offer accepted by the Canadiens for Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
A decision that had a serious impact on the franchise's future, as #82 is far from delivering the performance that warrants his salary of $4.82 million per season, until 2030.
Credit - HabsolumentFan: La solution pour le top 6 du Canadien se trouve-t-elle en Caroline ?
| POLL | ||
How much would you pay for Necas? | ||
| 6 to 7 M$ per year | 276 | 77.3 % |
| 7 to 8 M$ per year | 77 | 21.6 % |
| More than 8 M$ per year | 4 | 1.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
