In a bold offseason move aimed at elevating their offensive prowess and making a deeper Stanley Cup push, the New York Rangers have officially signed 25-year-old forward Martin Necas, acquiring him from the Carolina Hurricanes in a highly-anticipated transaction. The signing marks one of the most talked-about additions of the summer and signals New York’s strong intention to contend at the highest level.
Necas, a speedy and skilled forward with a proven scoring touch, comes to the Rangers after four impactful seasons in Carolina. He posted an impressive 24 goals and 53 points in 77 games during the 2023-24 campaign, continuing to showcase his elite skating and playmaking abilities. Rangers General Manager Chris Drury wasted no time finalizing the deal, calling Necas “a game-changer with the kind of two-way skill we need to take this team to the next level.”
The Rangers sent a 2025 first-round draft pick and promising young defenseman Zac Jones to Carolina in exchange for Necas’ rights, then swiftly signed him to a five-year deal worth $26.5 million ($5.3M AAV). The contract secures Necas through the 2028-29 season and gives the Rangers a high-upside, cost-controlled piece to complement their veteran core.
“We’ve been looking for a player who can bring versatility and offensive spark to our top six,” said Drury during the press conference. “Martin is exactly that. He’s dynamic with the puck, plays with pace, and he’s only going to get better.”
Necas, originally drafted 12th overall by the Hurricanes in 2017, brings both playoff experience and youth to a Rangers roster that features star forwards Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Vincent Trocheck. His ability to play either wing or center gives head coach Peter Laviolette flexibility with his line combinations, particularly on the power play and in 3-on-3 situations.
“I’m thrilled to be joining an iconic franchise like the New York Rangers,” Necas said in a statement. “It’s a team that’s built to win now, with a passionate fan base and a clear vision. I’m ready to give everything to help this team lift the Stanley Cup.”
The move comes as the Rangers seek to build on their strong 2024 playoff showing, which ended in heartbreak in the Eastern Conference Final. Adding Necas to the forward group is expected to inject new energy and scoring depth, something the Rangers lacked in critical moments last postseason.
Fans have already taken to social media to celebrate the signing, calling Necas “a steal” and “exactly what this team needed.” Analysts agree that the move fills a key gap in New York’s lineup, especially with aging depth players and salary cap challenges limiting other free-agent options.
With training camp just months away, excitement is building at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers have made it clear they’re not satisfied with just playoff appearances—they’re aiming for the Cup. And with Martin Necas now wearing blue, the Rangers’ path to glory just got a lot more electrifying.
