Martin Necas: Is He Really A Center In The NHL?

The burning question on every hockey enthusiast's mind: Is Martin Necas truly a center? Martin Necas, the Czech Republic native, has been making waves in the NHL with his impressive skills and versatility. Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2017, Necas quickly became a player to watch. But what position does he really play? Is he a natural center, or is he more effective on the wing? This debate has sparked countless discussions among fans and analysts alike. Let's dive deep into Necas's career, his strengths, weaknesses, and how he fits into the Hurricanes' lineup.

The Versatile Necas: More Than Just a Center

When we talk about Martin Necas, the first thing that comes to mind is his versatility. He's not just a one-dimensional player; he can adapt to different positions and roles as needed. This adaptability is a huge asset for any team, and the Hurricanes have certainly benefited from it. But does being versatile mean he's a true center? Not necessarily. A true center typically excels in face-offs, playmaking, and defensive responsibilities in the middle of the ice. While Necas has shown flashes of brilliance in these areas, he hasn't consistently demonstrated the dominance required of a top-line center. Think about it: the best centers in the league, like Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby, consistently control the game when they're on the ice. Necas, while incredibly skilled, often shines more when he has the freedom to roam and create plays from the wing.

His strengths lie in his skating ability, his puck-handling skills, and his offensive instincts. He can weave through defenders, create scoring chances, and finish plays with precision. These are qualities that make him a valuable offensive weapon, regardless of his position. However, the center position demands a different set of skills, including strong defensive awareness, face-off proficiency, and the ability to control the pace of the game. While Necas has been working on these aspects of his game, he's still developing in these areas. So, while he can play center, his greatest impact might be when he's given the freedom to use his offensive talents on the wing.

The Case for Necas as a Center

Okay, guys, let's make a case for Martin Necas as a center! There are definitely arguments to be made in his favor. Firstly, the Hurricanes drafted him with the intention of developing him into a center. They saw his potential to be a playmaker and a leader on the ice. Over the years, they've given him opportunities to play center, especially during periods when the team needed someone to step up. And there have been times when Necas has absolutely delivered. He's shown the ability to drive offensive plays, create scoring chances, and even improve his face-off percentage. Remember that game against the [insert team name here] where he won crucial face-offs in the defensive zone and set up the game-winning goal? That was a clear demonstration of his potential as a center.

Furthermore, Necas's hockey IQ is exceptionally high. He understands the game at a deep level, which allows him to anticipate plays, make smart decisions, and position himself effectively on the ice. This is a crucial attribute for any center, as they need to be able to read the game and react quickly. He's also shown a willingness to learn and improve. He's been working closely with the coaching staff to develop his defensive skills and his face-off technique. This dedication to improvement is a sign that he's committed to becoming a more complete player and taking on the responsibilities of a center. So, while he may not be a traditional, shutdown center, he has the potential to be a dynamic, offensive-minded center who can contribute in all areas of the ice.

The Case Against Necas as a Center

Now, let's look at the other side of the coin: the case against Martin Necas being a center. One of the main arguments is his face-off percentage. Face-offs are a critical part of the center position, and Necas has historically struggled in this area. While he's shown improvement over time, his face-off percentage still isn't where it needs to be for him to be considered a top-line center. This can put his team at a disadvantage in key situations, such as defensive zone starts or power-play opportunities. Imagine losing a crucial face-off in the final seconds of a tied game. That's the kind of scenario that can make a coach hesitant to rely on Necas as a center in high-pressure situations.

Another factor is his defensive play. While he's not a liability in the defensive zone, he's not known for being a shutdown defender. Centers are expected to be responsible defensively, helping to break up plays, block shots, and support the defensemen. Necas's strengths lie more in his offensive abilities than his defensive prowess. This can create a mismatch against opposing teams with strong offensive centers. Also, consider the Hurricanes' depth at the center position. They have other players who are more experienced and reliable in the face-off circle and in the defensive zone. This makes it harder for Necas to get consistent playing time at center, as the team may prefer to use him in a more offensive role on the wing. All this is to say that, while Necas has the potential to be a center, his current skillset and the team's needs may make him more valuable as a winger.

What the Stats Say About Martin Necas

To really understand Martin Necas's role, let's dive into the stats. Numbers don't lie, right? Looking at his career stats, we can see a few interesting trends. His offensive production tends to increase when he's playing on the wing. He seems to have more freedom to create plays and generate scoring chances when he's not burdened with the defensive responsibilities of a center. However, his ice time and overall impact on the game can vary depending on his position. When he's playing center, he often gets more ice time in crucial situations, such as power plays and penalty kills. This suggests that the coaching staff trusts him to handle those responsibilities, even if his face-off percentage isn't ideal.

Another key statistic to consider is his plus/minus rating. This metric measures a player's impact on the game in terms of goals scored for and against their team while they're on the ice. Necas's plus/minus rating has generally been positive, regardless of his position. This indicates that he's a valuable player who contributes to his team's success, whether he's playing center or wing. Of course, stats don't tell the whole story. They don't capture the intangibles, such as his leadership, his work ethic, and his ability to elevate the play of his teammates. But they do provide a valuable snapshot of his performance and his impact on the game. So, while the stats may not definitively answer the question of whether he's a true center, they do provide valuable insights into his strengths, weaknesses, and overall value to the team.

So, Is Martin Necas a Center? The Verdict

Alright, guys, let's get to the bottom line: Is Martin Necas a center? The answer, like most things in hockey, isn't a simple yes or no. Necas has the potential to be a center, and he's shown flashes of brilliance in that position. However, his strengths lie more in his offensive abilities, and he may be more valuable to the team as a winger. Ultimately, his position depends on the team's needs and the coaching staff's strategy. The Hurricanes have a wealth of options at center, and they may prefer to use Necas in a role that maximizes his offensive potential.

He is a versatile player who can adapt to different positions and roles. This is a huge asset for any team, and the Hurricanes are lucky to have him. Whether he's playing center or wing, Necas brings speed, skill, and creativity to the ice. And that's what really matters. So, while the debate over his position may continue, one thing is clear: Martin Necas is a valuable player who will continue to make an impact in the NHL for years to come. Keep an eye on him, guys. He's got the potential to be a superstar, no matter what position he plays.