![Nečas Rumors Swirl, Swiss Problems Surface, Bylsma Joining Seattle, Wayne Mocks Biz, Smith Turning Pro, and More Blackhawks Updates Nečas Rumors Swirl, Swiss Problems Surface, Bylsma Joining Seattle, Wayne Mocks Biz, Smith Turning Pro, and More Blackhawks Updates](https://i0.wp.com/www.bleachernation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Philipp-Kurashev_GettyImages-1898584512.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1)
Many of us are becoming convinced that the Blackhawks should pursue Carolina RFA forward Martin Nečas this summer in a potential trade, and that speculation grew after the Blackhawks’ trade with the Islanders on Friday. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic wrote about the Nečas situation on Monday and offered us some interesting things to consider. Here is part of what he wrote:
My understanding at this point is that the situation is like this: The Canes know that Necas is a star, a player capable of moving to the next level of what he has produced thus far in the NHL, and Carolina has a plan to expand his role the next season. However, sources also confirm that the Canes have received several calls from teams in the past week asking, given the father’s comments and, well, we know that Carolina is the type of organization that is not afraid to consider anything.
But there’s very little chance the Hurricanes, in win-now mode, will trade Necas for a futures package. If they get a star-caliber asset in a deal, I think Carolina would give it serious thought. But if not, I think the Canes are ready to keep him, even if the road is difficult, considering it seems like the player wants a change of scenery.
LeBrun also writes that Nečas was included in the trade offers the Canes made for both Elias Pettersson last season and Matthew Tkachuk during the summer of 2022, so he has previously been included in attempts to make a big blockbuster.
So if LeBrun is right and Carolina is only making a deal involving Nečas if they get a “star-caliber NHL player” in the deal, Blackhawks fans need to recalibrate our trade proposals. Picks No. 18 and 34 are not doing it. And respectfully, Lucas Reichel neither is it. Understanding that Nečas is going to get a seven-year deal in the neighborhood of $7-8 million AAV, what do the Blackhawks have (who would/should be available) to get a deal done?
After winning a silver medal at the world hockey championship, Switzerland appears poised to join a small group of world hockey powers. But if you look beneath the surface, the state of Swiss hockey is going through something of an existential crisis: https://t.co/1pBKfGZD9q— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 27, 2024
#SeaKraken They are scheduled to introduce 2009 Stanley Cup-winning coach Dan Bylsma as their second head coach on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Bylsma’s @firebirds will open the Calder Cup Western Conference final against @mkeadmirals.
Bylsma spent 7 full seasons between his NHL head coaching jobs. https://t.co/aO1h0HDcE8—Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 27, 2024
Jacob Trouba of the NY Rangers has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, for elbowing Florida’s Evan Rodrigues.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) May 27, 2024
Biggest issues will fall into Don Waddell’s lap when he takes office #CBJ:
– Will Pascal Vincent return as coach? He has one year left on his contract.
– What is the future of G Elvis Merzlikins? #CBJ? Difficult trade, expensive purchase
– What is Patrik Laine? #CBJ / #NHL future? — Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) May 27, 2024
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