NHL Trade Rumors: Asking Price For Canadiens To Acquire Martin Necas

The Montreal Canadiens' pursuit of Martin Necas from the Carolina Hurricanes has intensified, with a significant asking price reportedly attached. 

The Hurricanes are apparently seeking an established NHL player plus a high draft pick, signaling their intent to strengthen their defensive lineup, particularly on the left side, according to Jean-Charles Lajoie of TVA Sports.

Arber Xhekaj, a promising young defenseman for the Canadiens, emerges as a potential key piece in such a trade. Despite the potential discomfort of losing a talent like Xhekaj, reminiscent of the unease when Alexander Romanov was traded, securing Necas's services could necessitate such a high-profile sacrifice.

Do you want your favourite team to acquire Martin Necas? #LetsGoCanes pic.twitter.com/qoQurziNqH

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 3, 2024

Lajoie suggests that the Canadiens might need to offer more than just Xhekaj to clinch the deal, possibly including the 26th overall pick they acquired from Winnipeg or their own second-round pick. 

This season, the 25-year-old Necas recorded 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 total points across 77 games played, coming off a career-best season with 71 points the year before.

Martin Necas with the goal and the Canes moms LOVE IT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3eNzLUcRhA

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) January 25, 2024

Analysts like Elliotte Friedman and Pierre LeBrun have also weighed in, noting that Carolina's demand likely includes a top prospect or a straightforward significant trade piece, highlighting the steep price for acquiring a player of Necas’s caliber.

This potential transaction presents a complex negotiation for the Canadiens, balancing the immediate impact of losing a key defensive asset against the long-term benefits of adding Necas, a skilled top-six forward.

Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports