Martin Necas: Is He Really That Good?

by Jhon Lennon 38 views

Hey hockey fans! Let’s dive deep into Martin Necas, a name that's been buzzing around the NHL. Is he really that good? That's the million-dollar question we're going to dissect today. We'll explore his background, stats, strengths, weaknesses, and what makes him a player to watch. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Who is Martin Necas?

Martin Necas is a Czech professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 15, 1999, Necas began his hockey journey in his native Czech Republic before making the leap to North America. Known for his speed, skill, and offensive abilities, Necas has quickly become an integral part of the Hurricanes' roster. But let's rewind a bit and look at how this talented player made his way to the NHL.

Early Career

Necas started playing hockey at a young age in the Czech Republic, honing his skills through various youth leagues. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks. Before long, he was playing professionally in the Czech Extraliga, the highest-level hockey league in the Czech Republic. This experience allowed him to compete against seasoned veterans and further develop his game.

NHL Draft

In the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Necas was selected 12th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes. This was a significant moment for both Necas and the Hurricanes, as the team saw immense potential in the young forward. Being a first-round pick comes with high expectations, and Necas was ready to embrace the challenge.

Transition to the NHL

Making the transition from European hockey to the NHL is no small feat. The NHL is known for its physicality, speed, and overall intensity. Necas spent some time developing his game with the Charlotte Checkers, the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate. This allowed him to adjust to the North American style of play and refine his skills before making the full-time jump to the NHL.

Current Role with the Hurricanes

As of today, Necas is a key player for the Carolina Hurricanes. He's known for his ability to create scoring opportunities, his strong skating, and his overall offensive prowess. He often plays in a top-six role, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. His role continues to evolve as he gains more experience and becomes an even more impactful player.

Is Martin Necas a Good Player?

Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter: Is Martin Necas a good player? The short answer is yes, but let’s break down why. Necas brings a dynamic skill set to the ice, making him a valuable asset to the Carolina Hurricanes. His strengths are evident in his offensive capabilities, skating ability, and playmaking skills.

Strengths

  • Offensive Abilities: Necas has a knack for finding the back of the net. His shot is accurate and powerful, and he knows how to position himself in scoring areas. Whether it's a wrist shot from the slot or a one-timer on the power play, Necas has the offensive tools to score goals.
  • Skating: One of Necas's most noticeable attributes is his skating. He's incredibly fast and agile, allowing him to create separation from defenders and generate offensive chances. His speed makes him a threat on the rush and helps him to win races to loose pucks.
  • Playmaking: Necas isn't just a scorer; he's also a skilled playmaker. He has excellent vision and passing ability, allowing him to set up his teammates for scoring opportunities. His ability to distribute the puck effectively makes him a valuable asset on the power play and in offensive zone situations.
  • Versatility: Necas can play multiple forward positions, which gives the Hurricanes flexibility in their lineup. Whether he's playing center or on the wing, Necas can adapt to different roles and contribute effectively.

Areas for Improvement

No player is perfect, and Necas has areas where he can continue to improve. While he has made strides in these areas, focusing on these aspects could elevate his game even further.

  • Physicality: The NHL is a physical league, and Necas could benefit from adding more physicality to his game. While he's not afraid to engage in battles, adding more strength and assertiveness could make him even more effective, especially in board battles and in front of the net.
  • Defensive Play: Like many offensive-minded players, Necas can sometimes struggle with his defensive responsibilities. Improving his positioning, awareness, and commitment in the defensive zone would make him a more well-rounded player.
  • Consistency: Maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout the season is crucial for any player. Necas has shown flashes of brilliance, but he needs to find a way to bring that level of play every night. Consistency will be key to unlocking his full potential.

Impact on the Team

Necas's presence on the ice makes a significant impact on the Carolina Hurricanes. His offensive skills and playmaking abilities create scoring chances and help the team generate offense. His speed and agility make him a threat on the rush, and his ability to play multiple positions gives the coaching staff flexibility in their lineup.

What are Martin Necas's Stats?

Alright, let's crunch some numbers and see what Martin Necas's stats tell us about his performance. Analyzing a player's stats is a great way to gauge their impact and effectiveness on the ice. So, let's dive in and take a look at some key statistics for Necas.

Key Statistics

  • Goals: Goals are a primary indicator of a player's offensive ability. Necas has consistently shown an ability to score goals throughout his NHL career. His goal totals have steadily increased as he gains more experience and plays in more prominent roles.
  • Assists: Assists reflect a player's playmaking ability and their ability to set up teammates for scoring opportunities. Necas has proven to be a skilled playmaker, consistently recording a high number of assists each season.
  • Points: Points are the sum of a player's goals and assists and provide an overall measure of their offensive contribution. Necas has consistently increased his point totals each season, demonstrating his growth and development as an offensive player.
  • Plus/Minus: Plus/minus is a statistic that measures a player's impact on the ice in terms of goals scored for and against their team while they are on the ice. A positive plus/minus indicates that the player is contributing to more goals for their team than against, while a negative plus/minus indicates the opposite.
  • Power Play Points: Power play points reflect a player's contribution to their team's power play success. Necas has been a valuable asset on the power play, using his offensive skills and playmaking abilities to create scoring opportunities.
  • Shooting Percentage: Shooting percentage is the percentage of shots that a player takes that result in goals. A high shooting percentage indicates that the player is an accurate and efficient shooter. Necas has consistently maintained a respectable shooting percentage throughout his career.

Season-by-Season Breakdown

To get a clearer picture of Necas's development, let's take a look at his stats season by season. This will give us a better understanding of how he has progressed and evolved as a player.

  • Rookie Season: In his rookie season, Necas showed flashes of potential but also experienced some growing pains as he adjusted to the NHL. He recorded a modest number of goals and assists, but his potential was evident.
  • Sophomore Season: In his sophomore season, Necas began to find his stride and showed significant improvement in his offensive production. He increased his goal and assist totals and became a more consistent contributor to the team.
  • Subsequent Seasons: In subsequent seasons, Necas has continued to improve and establish himself as a key player for the Hurricanes. He has consistently increased his point totals and has become a reliable offensive threat.

Advanced Stats

In addition to traditional stats, advanced stats can provide deeper insights into a player's performance. Stats like Corsi, Fenwick, and expected goals can help us understand a player's impact on puck possession, shot attempts, and scoring chances.

  • Corsi and Fenwick: Corsi and Fenwick are statistics that measure a player's impact on shot attempts for and against their team while they are on the ice. A positive Corsi or Fenwick indicates that the player is contributing to more shot attempts for their team than against.
  • Expected Goals: Expected goals is a statistic that estimates the number of goals a player is expected to score based on the quality and quantity of their shot attempts. This can help us evaluate a player's scoring efficiency and their ability to generate high-quality scoring chances.

The Verdict

So, after all this, where do we stand on Martin Necas? He's undeniably a talented player with a bright future. His speed, skill, and offensive abilities make him a valuable asset to the Carolina Hurricanes. While he has areas where he can improve, Necas has already established himself as a key player in the NHL.

Potential

Necas has the potential to become an even more impactful player as he continues to develop and gain experience. If he can continue to improve his consistency, physicality, and defensive play, he has the potential to become a star in the NHL.

Overall Value

Overall, Martin Necas is a good player who brings a lot to the table. His offensive skills, skating ability, and playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset to the Carolina Hurricanes. Whether he's scoring goals, setting up teammates, or creating offensive chances, Necas consistently finds ways to contribute. Keep an eye on him – he's got the potential to do great things!