NHL Rumors: Martin Necas, Yaroslav Askarov, Philip Broberg, and Dylan Holloway

Martin Necas wasn't sure if he would return to Carolina

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: There was a time this past season when Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas didn't think he would return to Carolina next season, according to Necas himself.

“I wasn't sure. Carolina and I talk a lot. It was 50/50. I didn't have the best season, I wasn't happy. But we turned the page, and found a way to stay for another two years. … I feel like Carolina is my home. I was drafted there, I played there for five seasons. At the end of the day, I'm glad I'm back and I'm going to show the people there that I'm better than last season. I'm happy, I'm happy.”

Will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky's scoring record this season?

Necas and trainer Rod Brind'Amour had 'different philosophies about style and popularity,' and Necas said they should, and they would find a way to make it work. You're looking for a big role and you know you need to prove you're ready for it.

Necas confirmed that the Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets are the two teams he spoke with.

Who was interested in Yaroslav Askarov, the Oilers offering Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, and the Toronto Maple Leafs looking at left wings?

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Hockey Club were among the teams interested in goaltender Yaroslav Askarov before he was traded to the San Jose Sharks by the Nashville Predators.

NHL News: Some Yaroslav Askarov Trade Analysis

They had heard that the Edmonton Oilers had offered Philip Broberg $1.8 million. The Oilers had the math to put the comps at $1.1 million. (He took $4,580,917 from the Blues). Broberg requested a trade last season.

One source said the Oilers signed Dylan Holloway to a three-year contract while others said they did not. He received one- and two-year offers of approximately $850,000 and $1 million per season from the Oilers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be looking at their left tackle options.