Martin Necas: Is He A Good NHL Player?

So, you're wondering about Martin Necas, huh? Is he any good? Well, let's dive deep into the world of this Carolina Hurricanes forward and figure out what makes him tick on the ice. Whether you're a die-hard Canes fan or just curious about up-and-coming NHL players, we'll break down his skills, stats, and overall impact.

Who is Martin Necas?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's cover the basics. Martin Necas is a Czech professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 12th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Necas came to North America with a ton of promise. He's known for his incredible skating ability, silky smooth hands, and a knack for making plays at high speed. But potential and performance are two different things, so let's see how he stacks up.

Early Career and Development

Necas didn't just pop onto the NHL scene overnight. Like many European players, he honed his skills in his home country before making the jump across the pond. He played for HC Kometa Brno in the Czech Extraliga, showcasing his offensive talents at a young age. This early experience was crucial in developing his hockey sense and preparing him for the challenges of North American hockey. When he joined the Hurricanes organization, he spent some time with their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, to adjust to the smaller ice surface and more physical style of play. This developmental period was vital in rounding out his game and getting him ready for the NHL grind.

Key Strengths

Okay, so what makes Necas stand out? First and foremost, his skating is elite. He can fly around the ice, create separation from defenders, and generate scoring chances with his speed. His hands are also top-notch; he can handle the puck in tight spaces, make quick passes, and dangle through traffic. Necas also has a good shot, though consistency has been an area for improvement. He's a creative player with the vision to spot teammates in scoring positions and the skill to deliver the puck accurately. These attributes make him a dynamic offensive threat when he's on his game.

Areas for Improvement

No player is perfect, and Necas is no exception. One area where he needs to improve is his consistency. There are times when he looks like a world-beater, and others when he fades into the background. Adding more physicality to his game would also help him win battles along the boards and create more space for himself. Defensively, he's not a liability, but he could be more engaged and assertive in his own zone. Strengthening these areas would make him a more complete and reliable player.

Analyzing Necas's Performance

Alright, enough talk about potential. Let's look at the numbers and see how Necas has actually performed in the NHL. Stats don't tell the whole story, but they give us a good indication of his impact on the ice.

Season-by-Season Stats

Throughout his NHL career, Necas's stats have shown a promising upward trend. In his early seasons, he had flashes of brilliance but struggled to put up consistent numbers. However, in recent years, he's taken significant strides forward, increasing his point totals and becoming a more integral part of the Hurricanes' offense. His progression demonstrates his hard work and dedication to improving his game.

Role on the Hurricanes

Necas has played in various roles for the Hurricanes, from a bottom-six forward to a top-six winger. His versatility has been valuable to the team, allowing coaches to slot him in different positions as needed. When he's playing at his best, he's a top-six player who can drive offense and create scoring chances. However, his role can fluctuate depending on his performance and the team's needs. Ideally, the Hurricanes would like to see him solidify his place as a consistent top-six forward.

Advanced Stats

Beyond the basic stats, advanced metrics can provide a deeper understanding of Necas's impact. Stats like Corsi and Fenwick can measure his shot attempt differential, while expected goals can quantify the quality of scoring chances he generates. These metrics often paint a favorable picture of Necas, suggesting that he's a positive influence on the ice and contributes to his team's offensive success. However, it's important to remember that these stats are just one piece of the puzzle.

Comparing Necas to His Peers

To truly gauge Necas's worth, it's helpful to compare him to other players in similar situations. How does he stack up against other young forwards who were drafted around the same time? Are his stats comparable to players with similar roles on other teams?

Draft Class Comparison

Looking at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, there are several other notable forwards who were selected around the same time as Necas. Comparing their stats and career trajectories can provide valuable context. Some players may have reached their potential more quickly, while others may have taken longer to develop. This comparison can help us assess whether Necas is on track to meet the expectations that were placed on him when he was drafted.

Similar Role Comparison

Another useful comparison is to look at players who have similar roles on other teams. Are there other young forwards who are also playing in a top-six role and contributing offensively? How do their stats compare to Necas's? This comparison can help us determine whether Necas is performing at an above-average, average, or below-average level relative to his peers.

Overall Value

Ultimately, the question of whether Necas is "good" depends on his overall value to the Hurricanes. Is he contributing to the team's success? Is he living up to his potential? Is he worth the contract he's being paid? These are all important factors to consider when evaluating his worth. While stats and comparisons can be helpful, the final judgment often comes down to a subjective assessment of his impact on the ice.

The Verdict: Is Necas a Good Player?

So, after all this analysis, what's the final verdict? Is Martin Necas a good hockey player? The answer, like with many things, is nuanced.

Strengths Outweigh Weaknesses

Overall, Necas has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to be a top-tier player in the NHL. His skating, hands, and offensive creativity are undeniable assets. While he has areas where he needs to improve, his strengths outweigh his weaknesses. He's a valuable contributor to the Hurricanes and has the potential to become even better.

Potential for Growth

One of the most exciting things about Necas is his potential for growth. He's still relatively young and has plenty of time to develop his game. If he can continue to improve his consistency, physicality, and defensive awareness, he could become a true star in the NHL. The Hurricanes are undoubtedly hoping that he can reach his full potential and become a key part of their team for many years to come.

A Valuable Asset

In conclusion, Martin Necas is a good player with the potential to be great. He brings a unique skill set to the Hurricanes and has shown significant improvement over the course of his career. While he may not be a superstar just yet, he's a valuable asset to the team and has the potential to become even more valuable in the future. So, the next time you watch him on the ice, keep an eye out for his blazing speed, silky smooth hands, and creative playmaking ability. You might just be witnessing the rise of a future star.

Whether he's good enough is really up to your own personal expectations, but I hope this in-depth analysis has helped you form your own opinion! Thanks for reading, guys!