Avalanche's future hinges on one franchise-altering decision
Photo credit: RJ Sangosti / MediaNews Group / The Denver Post
The Colorado Avalanche's long-term outlook may come down to one pivotal, franchise-altering decision involving star winger Martin Necas, a move that could shape the direction of the team for years to come.
The Avalanche need to re-sign Necas or risk facing a repeat of last season's situation with Mikko Rantanen, losing a star player without securing long-term stability in return.
Avalanche face biggest decision surrounding Martin Necas.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that the Avalanche enter the 2025-26 season in a familiar position, much like they were last year with Rantanen, holding onto a high-end, top-line winger entering the final year of his contract.
"And, like this past season, the Avalanche will be pushing hard to re-sign Necas. Despite the comments that insider Nick Kypreos made, claiming that Necas was unhappy in Colorado, the fact is that Necas and the Avalanche are the best fit for one another." -Quixtan
Necas and the Avalanche will benefit from having a full training camp together, an opportunity that could play a major role in helping him feel more at home in the Mile High City. It will also give Necas valuable time to develop chemistry with his linemates, something he may not have had the chance to fully establish during his shortened stint last season.
"That also means the Avalanche will have weeks, if not months, to engage Necas' camp in extension talks. It's unfathomable to believe that Colorado has not reached out the Necas' people about an extension. But I would like to caution Avalanche fans. If the Avalanche cannot sign Necas by the beginning of January, another major trade could be coming weeks head of the trade deadline." -Quixtan
A key part of the narrative Necas and the Avalanche is the winger's reprted interest in testing the free-agent market. Some projections have his next contract reaching the $10 million AAV range, raising questions about whether Colorado will be willing, or able, to meet that price.
"That's something the Necas also risks. Contending clubs don't have the luxury of adding $10 million to their cap hit. But beyond that, teams like the Stars, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers have been sifting through the couch cushions looking for cap space. Plus, mid-tier teams like the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, or St. Louis Blues may not be the most appealing destinations for Necas." -Quixtan
It's possible both sides take a patient approach this season and wait until the offseason to make a decision.
If the Avalanche can't re-sign Necas, they'll still have ample cap space to explore other options. But if Colorado manages to keep him in the fold, then things could be looking pretty bright for the franchise moving forward.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 27 ANSWERS Avalanche's future hinges on one franchise-altering decision Do you think Martin Necas deserves an AAV of $10 million in his next contract? | ||
| yes | 5 | 18.5 % |
| no | 22 | 81.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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