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

Is Martin Necas truly a center in the NHL? That's a question on the minds of hockey fans and analysts alike! Necas, known for his blistering speed and offensive flair, has primarily played as a winger throughout his NHL career, but the idea of him transitioning to center has been a recurring theme. In this article, we'll dive deep into Necas's skillset, analyze his performance in different roles, and explore the pros and cons of deploying him as a center.

Who is Martin Necas?

Before we delve into the positional debate, let's get a quick refresher on who Martin Necas is. Drafted 12th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2017, Necas was highly touted for his offensive abilities and dynamic skating. Hailing from the Czech Republic, he quickly made a name for himself with his speed, skill, and playmaking ability. Necas possesses exceptional hands, a deceptive shot, and the vision to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. His offensive instincts are undeniable, and he has the potential to be a game-changer every time he steps on the ice.

Throughout his time with the Hurricanes, Necas has primarily been deployed as a winger, often playing alongside skilled players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in this role, there's always been a lingering question of whether he could unlock even more potential as a center. The center position demands a more well-rounded skillset, including faceoff ability, defensive awareness, and the ability to drive play from the middle of the ice. These are areas where Necas has shown some development, but still needs to improve to be a true NHL center.

The Allure of Necas as a Center

Guys, the idea of Martin Necas as a center is tantalizing for several reasons. First and foremost, his offensive skills would be amplified in the middle of the ice. As a center, Necas would have more opportunities to dictate the play, create scoring chances, and utilize his speed and skill to drive the offense. He would be more involved in all three zones, and his playmaking ability would be even more valuable. Imagine Necas weaving through the defense, setting up his linemates with precision passes, or unleashing his lethal shot from the high slot. It's a recipe for offensive fireworks!

Secondly, Necas's speed and skating ability would be a major asset at the center position. He could use his speed to win races to loose pucks, create separation from defenders, and generate offensive opportunities off the rush. His agility and quickness would make him a nightmare for opposing defensemen to handle. In today's NHL, speed and skating are paramount, and Necas has those attributes in spades.

Finally, deploying Necas as a center could add a new dimension to the Hurricanes' offensive attack. It would give them another dynamic playmaker in the middle of the ice, and it would create matchup problems for opposing teams. Imagine the possibilities of having Necas and Aho as your top two centers! That's a potent combination that could give opposing coaches nightmares. With his versatility, he could easily switch between wing and center as needed, adding flexibility to the team's lineup.

The Challenges of Necas as a Center

However, the transition to center is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for Necas is his faceoff ability. Faceoffs are a crucial part of the game, and centers are expected to win their fair share. Necas has struggled in this area throughout his career, and he would need to improve significantly to be a reliable center. Winning faceoffs is not just about technique; it's also about strength, positioning, and anticipation. Necas would need to work on all of these aspects to become a more effective faceoff taker.

Another area where Necas needs to improve is his defensive awareness. Centers are responsible for covering a lot of ice in the defensive zone, and they need to be able to read plays, anticipate passes, and support their defensemen. Necas has shown some improvement in this area, but he still needs to be more consistent in his defensive efforts. Playing center requires a 200-foot game, and Necas needs to embrace the defensive responsibilities that come with the position.

Additionally, the center position demands a high level of physical play. Centers are often battling for position in front of the net, taking hits along the boards, and engaging in physical confrontations with opposing players. Necas is not the biggest or strongest player, and he would need to be willing to play with more physicality to be effective as a center. He needs to be able to win battles for pucks, protect the puck in tight spaces, and not shy away from contact.

Analyzing Necas's Performance in Different Roles

To get a better understanding of Necas's potential as a center, let's analyze his performance in different roles throughout his career. While he has primarily played as a winger, he has had opportunities to play center at times, both in the NHL and in the AHL. In those limited opportunities, he has shown flashes of brilliance, but also some areas where he needs to improve.

When playing center, Necas has demonstrated his ability to drive play and create offensive opportunities. He has used his speed and skill to generate scoring chances, and he has shown a willingness to take on more responsibility in the offensive zone. However, he has also struggled at times with faceoffs and defensive responsibilities. His defensive lapses have sometimes led to scoring chances for the opposition.

As a winger, Necas has been able to focus more on his offensive game, and he has thrived in that role. He has used his speed and skill to create scoring chances, and he has formed good chemistry with his linemates. However, he has also been criticized at times for not being engaged enough defensively. His defensive effort has sometimes been inconsistent.

The Verdict: Can Necas Be a Center?

So, can Martin Necas truly be a center in the NHL? The answer is not a simple yes or no. He definitely has the offensive skills and the skating ability to be a successful center, but he needs to improve in other areas to be a complete player at that position. His faceoff ability and defensive awareness need to improve significantly. He also needs to be willing to play with more physicality.

Whether or not Necas ultimately transitions to center will depend on several factors, including his own development, the Hurricanes' needs, and the coaching staff's assessment of his abilities. If Necas is willing to put in the work to improve his weaknesses, he could definitely become a valuable center in the NHL. However, if he is unable to make those improvements, he may be better suited as a winger.

Conclusion: The Future of Necas

In conclusion, Martin Necas is a supremely talented player with the potential to be a star in the NHL. While the question of whether he is a true center remains open, his offensive skills and skating ability make him an intriguing option at that position. Only time will tell if he can develop the other aspects of his game to become a complete center, but one thing is for sure: Martin Necas is a player to watch, and his future is bright, regardless of what position he plays. Whether he continues to excel on the wing or makes the transition to center, Necas has the potential to be a dynamic force in the NHL for years to come. Let's see where his career takes him!