NHL Trade Rumors: "Zero Chance" This Team Acquires Necas Due To "Bad Blood" From Past Deal

Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star has reported that there's virtually "zero chance" of the Carolina Hurricanes trading Martin Necas to the Montreal Canadiens, despite interest from several teams including Montreal. 

The skepticism stems from lingering "bad blood" between the two organizations, a fallout from the controversial offer sheet the Canadiens presented to Jesperi Kotkaniemi in 2021. 

Martin Necas unwilling to relinquish his goal title ties the game with seconds left in regulation for his 20th goal of the season. pic.twitter.com/dgt8nJXdBo

— Collin Madewell (@Collinhomeice) January 28, 2023

This historic tension, according to Kypreos, still casts a shadow over potential trade negotiations between the teams.

This season, the 25-year-old Necas recorded 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 total points across 77 games played, coming off a career-best season with 71 points the year before.

Although the management of the Canadiens has seen significant changes since the Kotkaniemi incident, with Geoff Molson remaining the only key figure from that time, the residual effects of the past dealings continue to influence the dynamics between the two clubs. 

Martin Necas with the goal and the Canes moms LOVE IT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3eNzLUcRhA

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) January 25, 2024

Kypreos emphasizes that despite the apparent interest from Montreal in acquiring Necas, the historical grievances are likely to prevent any trade from materializing, suggesting that factors beyond current team needs and player fit are at play in trade negotiations.

Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports