Report: Kraken Eyeing Former First-Round Pick

The Hurricanes are contemplating moving his signing rights as contract negotiations with the pending restricted free agent remain at an impasse. While there was speculation that interim GM Eric Tulsky might make a final attempt to re-sign him, this appears increasingly unlikely.

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli mentioned on the site's podcast today that a Nečas trade could be imminent, potentially happening as soon as this week. Reports have previously indicated that the Canucks, Flames, and Canadiens have shown interest in Nečas. Recently, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period confirmed that at least 12 teams have Nečas «on their radar,» adding the Flyers, Kraken, and Predators to the list of interested teams.

No frontrunner has emerged in the trade talks, and it remains unclear what the Hurricanes might receive in return for their 2017 12th-overall pick. Nečas has scored 52 goals and 124 points in 159 games since the 2022-23 season.

Nečas, 25, still has another offseason of RFA status but is aiming for a long-term deal this summer. Contract projection models suggest his value is around $7.5 million on a max-term deal, a figure the Hurricanes seem reluctant to meet. This reluctance is partly due to the emergence of younger player Seth Jarvis, who also needs a new contract this summer.

The Hurricanes are also trying to retain several UFAs, including one of the top forwards available, Jake Guentzel. Pagnotta reported Monday that Guentzel will likely test the market next month before deciding whether to return to Carolina.

In his 362 career games, Nečas has recorded 97 goals, 146 assists, and a plus-20 goal differential.

«The Carolina Hurricanes certainly love this player,» Pagnotta said. «They're going to have a conversation with his agent about what an extension may look like, and speaking to people around the league, if he does go full-term, you're looking at seven, 7.5 million on an AAV. That seems to be the consensus among some teams regarding what he might get.»

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