With the 2024 NHL Draft looming just two days away and free agency starting next week, NHL teams are set to be engulfed in a flurry of rumors. For the Buffalo Sabres, this offseason holds significant importance. Reports suggest Jeff Skinner might be bought out, and the team is eyeing notable free agents.
However, fans are growing weary of mere interest and crave tangible actions. Adding to the Sabres’ rumor mill, there’s buzz connecting Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas to Buffalo, according to Pierre LeBrun.
Analyzing Necas’ performance, he could be a valuable addition for the Sabres. Last season with the Hurricanes, he scored 24 goals and provided 29 assists in 77 games. In the playoffs, Necas contributed four goals and nine assists across 11 games against New York teams.
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Beyond his offensive capabilities, Necas fills a positional gap for Buffalo at center, an area of need. According to StatMuse, Necas won 34.1% of his faceoffs during the 2023/2024 season. General Manager Kevyn Adams has expressed interest in securing a center for the third line this offseason, complementing Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens.
Acquiring Necas would likely require a trade, as he is a restricted free agent with an AAV of $3,000,000. Speculation suggests Buffalo’s 11th overall draft pick could be involved in such a deal, possibly happening this Friday as hinted earlier.
While fans are tired of rumors and eager for real changes, trading for Necas could be a decisive move in ending the team’s playoff drought.
