The Habs could hit back at the Hurricanes next year
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Jeff DrouinAugust 29, 2021 (6:01 PM)
It's quite a story in Montreal right now, as the Carolina Hurricanes decided to get even last night. As everyone knows, Don Waddell offered a one-year contract worth $6.1 million to Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who is a restricted free agent.
Marc Bergevin therefore has seven days to decide whether or not to match his counterpart's offer. Meanwhile, many experts would go further in this matter, while some would see Bergevin retaliate to Carolina.
Young center Martin Necas will be in the same situation as "KK" next season: he will be a restricted free agent. The 22-year-old Czech had a good season last year, scoring 41 points in 53 games.
A former 12th overall pick in 2017, he will be entering his third full season in the NHL. A team looking for a forward center would certainly be more than happy to acquire Necas.
If the Habs do lose Kotkaniemi, Marc Bergevin will have to move quickly to fill the center position. In the long run, adding a youngster with huge potential like Necas would be great for the Habs.
It should be mentioned that Nick Suzuki will also have to sign a new contract next season. If Marc Bergevin does the same thing to the Hurricanes, Carolina will certainly want to get back at him. Bergevin will have to be careful if he ventures into the Necas case.
It will be interesting to see what happens next year, as we see the return of hostile offers in the Bettman circuit. Marc Bergevin will have a few options on the table if he wants to respond to Carolina.
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