Avalanche approaching crucial decision on star winger ahead of final contract year
Photo credit: Jason Franson / CP
The Colorado Avalanche are closing in on an important decision concerning star winger Martin Necas, with his contract set to expire at the end of the upcoming season. How they choose to handle his future could have significant implications for the team's long-term plans.
Multiple reports have confirmed that Necas is unhappy in Colorado.
Avalanche approaching crucial decision on Martin Necas.
Tom Banks from House of Hockey writes that in a surprising move last season, the Colorado Avalanche opted to trade Mikko Rantanen rather than pursue a contract extension, landing winger Martin Necas from the Carolina Hurricanes as the centerpiece of the deal.
In 30 games with Colorado, the 26-year-old tallied a strong 11 goals and 28 points, matching the kind of production Rantanen provided next to Nathan MacKinnon. Now, however, the Avalanche face a major decision regarding his long-term future with the team.
"According to recent reports, Necas potentially believes he could get $10 million or more a season on the open market, and if that is the case, Colorado could be best suited to move him now, especially before the Olympic break where a player can get settled and comfortable in his new surroundings." -Banks
On one hand, trading away the key piece acquired in the Rantanen deal would be an unexpected move, but on the other, with the team preparing to pay Cale Makar after this season, preserving as much salary cap as possible might be the smartest course of action.
"However, to make that easy, they would need to move Necas for a young, inexpensive piece, and while he was productive with the Avalanche and Hurricanes a year ago, not many teams will be lining up to pay him $10 million or more after the 2025/26 season concludes." -Banks
Ultimately, the Avalanche face a significant decision. Given Necas' impressive production alongside MacKinnon, offering him a long-term deal could be the wisest option.
However, if they believe he will seek a contract beyond what they're willing or able to offer in free agency, trading him to secure the best possible return might be the more prudent choice.
Source:
House of Hockey
Colorado Avalanche Facing Ultimatum With Star Winger as he Enters Last Year of his Deal
House of Hockey
Colorado Avalanche Facing Ultimatum With Star Winger as he Enters Last Year of his Deal
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 22 ANSWERS Avalanche approaching crucial decision on star winger ahead of final contract year Would you sign Martin Necas to a long-term deal? | ||
| yes | 13 | 59.1 % |
| no | 9 | 40.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
