Breaking: Bruins leading the race for Hurricanes standout

The Boston Bruins need to add another top-six forward and some speed to their team during the NHL summer.

Could Martin Necas be a viable target for them?

The Carolina Hurricanes forward has been the target of trade rumors in recent weeks. He can become a restricted free agent this summer, and the Hurricanes must determine if he will be a part of their future.

If the Hurricanes make Necas available, which teams might be interested?

“The Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins are among the teams that have shown general interest,” according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. “Whether they are among the five to seven Carolina sees as matches, I’m not sure.”

LeBrun further stated that “it is beyond a doubt that he wants a change of scenery.”

Necas is only 25 years old, making him a great addition to the Bruins’ nucleus of David Pastrnak (28), Charlie McAvoy (26), and Jeremy Swayman (25).

The Czech forward is a versatile player who can play center, although he’s primarily employed as a winger in Carolina. The Bruins desperately 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 scored career highs with 28 goals and 43 assists in 82 games in 2022-23. Necas had nine points (four goals, five assists) during the Hurricanes’ 11-game playoff run this season. It’s also fair to say Necas is one of the league’s fastest players.

The Bruins currently have around $21.2 million in salary cap space, according to CapFriendly. They must re-sign goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman (RFA) and possibly Jake DeBrusk (UFA), among other internal free agents.

If the B’s do acquire Necas, they will have to sign him to a new contract. That could be expensive, but given his age and talent, signing a player of his caliber would be a very wise decision. Necas is also familiar with Boston Bruins forwards David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha. The three of them helped Czechia capture gold at the 2024 IIHF World Championships last month.

If the Bruins do not negotiate a trade for Necas, there are several good free agents who could become available on July 1. Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, Jonathan Marchessault, Tyler Toffoli, Chandler Stephenson, and Anthony Mantha are among the best forwards who may be available.