"When you watch him play, he is skilled enough and he's smart enough," general manager Ron Francis said. "But an 82-game season against men is a grind. Younger guys, especially if they don't have a lot of weight on them, [it's tough] to play the middle, where you have to battle down low and in the defensive and offensive corners. It can take a toll on a younger guy who is not developed as strong at that point."
Necas agrees.
"I need to gain some weight," he said. "I have to put some [weight] on my body and be stronger."
Necas did play professionally last season, scoring seven goals and eight assists in 41 games for HC Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga. His mentor was fellow countryman Martin Erat, an NHL veteran who scored at least 49 points in eight straight seasons (2003-2012) with the Nashville Predators.
"He was my linemate," Necas said. "It was great with him. He showed me so many things on the ice and off the ice. I like him. He's a very good guy."
Brno was a veteran team, helping Necas see the game at a more mature level.
"It was a little different style of hockey," he said. "With men, it was different than in juniors. I learned so much. I wanted to take some experience from everybody because everybody had more experience than me."
Although the Hurricanes do not expect their top draft pick to make the roster for the start of the 2017-18 season, it might not be long before Necas cracks the lineup.
"We're willing to be patient," Francis said. "I don't know how long we will have to be patient; he may surprise people and get here sooner than most people think."
Just as he can identify the NHL centers he admires, Necas pinpoints the Hurricanes forwards who have caught his eye. He mentions Sebastian Aho and Jeff Skinner, two dynamic forwards who likely will figure into the teenager's future. When the day comes, he plans to be ready.
"They are very good players," Necas says. "I will work every day for 100 percent. That's very important for me, to be better every day."
