Is Martin Necas A Good NHL Player? A Detailed Analysis
Hey hockey fans! Today, we're diving deep into the burning question: Is Martin Necas a good NHL player? This dude has been making waves, and we're here to break down his skills, stats, and overall impact on the ice. Whether you're a die-hard Carolina Hurricanes fan or just curious about rising stars in the NHL, you've come to the right place. Let's get started!
Who is Martin Necas?
Before we jump into analyzing his performance, let's get the basics down. Martin Necas, born on January 15, 1999, is a Czech professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 12th overall by the Hurricanes in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Necas came with high expectations. He's known for his exceptional skating ability, hockey sense, and playmaking skills. But potential doesn't always translate to performance, so let's see how he's been doing.
Early Career and Development
Necas started his professional career in the Czech Extraliga, playing for HC Kometa Brno. During his time there, he showcased his offensive talents and quickly became one of the top young players in the league. His performance in the Czech Republic earned him a spot on the radar of NHL scouts, leading to his eventual drafting by the Hurricanes. After being drafted, Necas spent some time with the Charlotte Checkers, the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, to further develop his game and adjust to the North American style of play. This period was crucial for him to hone his skills and build the necessary strength and experience to compete at the NHL level. Transitioning from European hockey to the NHL can be challenging, but Necas showed a willingness to learn and adapt, which has been a key factor in his progression.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Now, let's break down what makes Necas a standout player and where he could improve.
Strengths
- Skating: Necas is an elite skater. His speed and agility allow him to create separation from defenders and generate scoring opportunities. He can weave through traffic and accelerate quickly, making him a threat in transition.
- Playmaking: He has excellent vision and passing skills. Necas can find teammates in tight spaces and set up scoring chances with accurate and creative passes. His ability to read the play and anticipate movements makes him a valuable asset on the offensive end.
- Hockey Sense: Necas possesses a high hockey IQ. He understands the game well and makes smart decisions with the puck. His ability to anticipate plays and position himself effectively allows him to be in the right place at the right time.
- Offensive Upside: Necas has shown flashes of brilliance and the potential to be a top-line forward. His offensive instincts and skill set make him a player to watch, with the potential to score goals and contribute significantly to his team's offense. Over the years he has shown that he can perform when needed, especially in playoffs.
Weaknesses
- Physicality: While he's not afraid to engage physically, Necas could stand to add more strength and muscle to his frame. This would help him win battles along the boards and protect the puck more effectively.
- Consistency: Necas has shown that he can take over games, but he needs to bring that level of play more consistently. Improving his consistency will be key to unlocking his full potential and becoming a reliable top-line player. Some nights he can be invisible and other times he makes you say wow, what a move.
- Defensive Game: While his offensive skills are undeniable, Necas needs to improve his defensive awareness and commitment. Working on his positioning and backchecking will make him a more complete player and earn him more trust from his coaches in all situations.
Martin Necas: NHL Career Stats and Performance
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty: the stats! Numbers don't lie, and they give us a clear picture of Necas's performance over the years. We'll look at his regular-season and playoff stats, and see how he's progressed.
Regular Season Stats
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM | PPG | SHG | GWG | SOG | S% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | Carolina Hurricanes | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 11.1 | |
| 2019-20 | Carolina Hurricanes | 64 | 8 | 28 | 36 | 7 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 89 | 9.0 | |
| 2020-21 | Carolina Hurricanes | 53 | 14 | 27 | 41 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 99 | 14.1 | |
| 2021-22 | Carolina Hurricanes | 78 | 14 | 26 | 40 | 15 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 148 | 9.5 | |
| 2022-23 | Carolina Hurricanes | 82 | 28 | 43 | 71 | 16 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 189 | 14.8 | |
| 2023-24 | Carolina Hurricanes | 77 | 24 | 29 | 53 | -8 | 16 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 178 | 13.5 |
As you can see, Necas has shown steady improvement over the years. His breakout season was in 2022-23, where he scored 28 goals and 43 assists for a total of 71 points. This demonstrates his offensive potential and ability to contribute at a high level. However, the 2023-24 season saw a slight dip in his assist numbers, although his goal-scoring remained relatively consistent. Overall, his regular-season stats indicate that he is a valuable offensive player with the potential for even greater production.
Playoff Stats
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM | PPG | SHG | GWG | SOG | S% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | Carolina Hurricanes | 9 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.0 | |
| 2019-20 | Carolina Hurricanes | 8 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14.3 | |
| 2020-21 | Carolina Hurricanes | 11 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 18.2 | |
| 2021-22 | Carolina Hurricanes | 14 | 5 | 4 | 9 | -1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 17.9 | |
| 2022-23 | Carolina Hurricanes | 15 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 31 | 12.9 | |
| 2023-24 | Carolina Hurricanes | 5 | 0 | 3 | 3 | -1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0.0 |
In the playoffs, Necas has shown that he can elevate his game. His points-per-game rate is often higher in the playoffs than in the regular season, indicating that he thrives under pressure. He has a knack for scoring timely goals and making key plays when the stakes are highest. While his goal production can vary from year to year, his playmaking ability remains consistent, making him a valuable asset during critical moments in the playoffs. His playoff performance highlights his ability to rise to the occasion and contribute meaningfully to his team's success.
Season-by-Season Analysis
- 2018-19: Necas got his first taste of the NHL, playing just 7 games. It was a learning experience, and he showed flashes of potential.
- 2019-20: He played a more significant role, scoring 8 goals and 28 assists. This season showed his playmaking abilities and hinted at his offensive upside.
- 2020-21: Necas improved his goal-scoring, potting 14 goals in 53 games. His offensive game continued to develop, and he became a more reliable scorer.
- 2021-22: While his point total remained similar to the previous season, Necas played a full 78 games. He showed consistency and continued to grow as a player.
- 2022-23: This was his breakout season! Necas exploded for 28 goals and 43 assists, proving that he can be a top-line player. He was a key contributor to the Hurricanes' offense.
- 2023-24: Necas continued to be a valuable offensive player, scoring 24 goals and 29 assists. While his assist numbers dipped slightly, his goal-scoring remained strong, showing his continued ability to find the back of the net.
Martin Necas: Style of Play and Impact on the Team
Necas is a dynamic, offensive-minded player who can create scoring chances with his speed and skill. He's not afraid to take risks and try new things, which can lead to highlight-reel plays. His teammates and coaches appreciate his creativity and offensive instincts.
Role on the Carolina Hurricanes
Necas plays a crucial role on the Hurricanes, often centering one of the top lines. He's relied upon to generate offense, create scoring chances, and contribute on the power play. His ability to play both center and wing adds versatility to the lineup.
Impact on Team Performance
When Necas is playing at his best, the Hurricanes' offense is more dangerous and unpredictable. His speed and skill can break down opposing defenses, and his playmaking ability creates opportunities for his teammates. He's a key part of the team's offensive success.
Comparisons to Other NHL Players
It's always interesting to compare players to their peers to get a better sense of their value. Necas has been compared to players like Nikolaj Ehlers and Teuvo Teravainen, who are also known for their speed, skill, and offensive abilities. While Necas is still developing, he has the potential to reach the same level as these established NHL players.
Final Verdict: Is Martin Necas a Good NHL Player?
So, after all this analysis, what's the verdict? Yes, Martin Necas is a good NHL player. He has elite skating ability, excellent playmaking skills, and a high hockey IQ. While he still has areas to improve, his offensive upside and potential are undeniable. He's a valuable asset to the Carolina Hurricanes and a player to watch for years to come. He has shown that he can perform when needed especially in playoffs. He is only getting better and better each year.
The Future Looks Bright
With continued development and refinement of his game, Necas has the potential to become an even more dominant player in the NHL. Keep an eye on him – he's got the talent and drive to become a star!
