In Carolina, a crisis erupts around Martin Necas, the talented young Hurricanes forward who has been in Kent Hughes’ sights for ages.
His father recently sparked controversy by publicly requesting a trade for his son, leading to a harsh response from general manager Don Waddell and head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
Waddell responded scathingly that he did not negotiate with the players’ fathers, that Necas was part of his plans and he even told the journalist in question to say hello to the striker’s father.
This situation presents a unique opportunity for Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes to attempt to acquire Necas in the midst of this chaos.
The Carolina Hurricanes, under the leadership of Don Waddell and Rod Brind’Amour, have enjoyed consistent success in the playoffs, with six consecutive appearances and two conference finals.
However, they have not yet achieved their ultimate goal: the Stanley Cup. The recent loss to the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs highlighted the need for change as several key players edge dangerously close to the free agent market.
Martin Necas, a first-round pick in 2017, has established himself as a premier offensive forward, with impressive production this season despite limited playing time.
However, his father’s statements cast a shadow over his future with the Hurricanes. Don Waddell publicly ridiculed this claim, saying Necas is an exceptionally talented player with still much to offer the team.
Rod Brind’Amour, known for his frankness, also downplayed the impact of this situation, emphasizing the stability and cohesion of the team, while saying that all parents of all players want their child to play on the first power play unit.
“For the five parents of the five players who are on the first unit, I am the best head coach. For the others, I am the worst coach on earth” said Brind’Amour to laugh at Necas and his father, who continues to claim that his son wants to be traded to a team that will play him on the first line and the first power play unit.
Kent Hughes could take advantage of this awkward situation. Necas, at 25, represents the perfect winger for CH who absolutely need offensive reinforcement.
With uncertainties surrounding future free agents in Carolina, including key players like Jake Guentzel and several top defensemen, the Hurricanes could be open to negotiations.
The challenge for Hughes would be to structure an attractive offer that could convince Waddell to part ways with Necas, while respecting the salary constraints and rebuilding needs of the Canadiens.
The situation in Carolina with Martin Necas and the reactions of Don Waddell and Rod Brind’Amour illustrate the internal tensions that can rise within an organization whose window is open and which cannot reach the end.
For the Montreal Canadiens and Kent Hughes, this turmoil could well be an opportunity to add an exceptional young talent to their roster, thus taking advantage of the chaos to finally find a top winger.
But like Waddell said, he won’t “give away” Necas. Hughes will have to find a way to convince him without including Mailloux or Dach, the two players in the Carolina GM’s sights.
Saga to follow…
