With so many larger names to worry about for the Hurricanes and little chance of signing an extension, Necas, 25, has been said to be heading out the door. This past season, he totaled 53 points in 77 games with 24 goals and 29 assists.
Waddell may have been joking when he responded to rumors of a sign-and-trade, but it's also possible that the general manager knew he wouldn't be going back to Carolina. Necas is a restricted free agent and would probably go to arbitration, so the sign and trade would make the most sense.