The latest on Hurricanes winger Martin Necas, Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom, Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson, and an update on the Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports Martin Necas was “50-50” about re-signing with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 25-year-old forward said he didn’t have the best season and was unhappy.
However, Necas said he and the club “turned the page”, figuring out a way for him to stay for two more seasons. “I feel like Carolina is my home”, he said, adding that he’s happy to stay and looks forward to a better performance this season.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).
Necas is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Before signing his new deal, it was reported that multiple teams expressed interest in him after his father criticized the Hurricanes’ handling of his son’s role with the club. Necas said the Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets were among the suitors but his Hurricanes teammates convinced him to stay.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was talk of the Blue Jackets offering up Patrik Laine for Necas and the Jets dangling promising center Cole Perfetti.
Necas will likely play more of a top-six forward role with the Hurricanes this season. The trade rumors have died since he signed his new contract last month. His role and performance this season will be worth watching.
NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias noted the recent activity in the NHL trade market and wondered if the Islanders might get into the fray by attempting to move Oliver Wahlstrom.
The Isles made Wahlstrom available at the end of last season but he couldn’t have had much value in the trade market. Nevertheless, they’re in a salary-cap bind and must free up space for offseason addition Maxim Tsyplakov.
Macias suggested the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins as possible trade partners.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias is right about Wahlstrom’s trade value. They could send him to the minors to make room for Tsyplakov. He’s on a one-year deal with a $1 million cap hit.
THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Shayna Goldman report Filip Gustavsson could be sticking around with the Minnesota Wild.
Gustavsson was considered a trade candidate after the Wild re-sign Marc-Andre Fleury and with Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings. The 26-year-old goaltender surfaced in trade rumors earlier in the offseason. He could be part of a three-goalie rotation with the Wild this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson’s struggles last season combined with his $3.75 million AAV through 2025-26 explains why he’ll likely be back with the Wild this season.
SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman speculated the Toronto Maple Leafs could consider adding a left winger before training camp opens in mid-September.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Free-agent options at left wing include Max Pacioretty, who reportedly has firm offers from a couple of clubs. Former Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins could be another if GM Brad Treliving maintains last summer’s obsession with adding “snot” to his lineup. Former Leaf James van Riemsdyk is also available.