Latest report reveals shocking truth on Martin Necas' future in Colorado
Photo credit: Michael Martin / NHLI
Although there's still plenty of offseason left for the Colorado Avalanche and star forward Martin Necas to work out a contract extension, growing speculation is raising questions about the long-term fit between the two sides.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Necas has not been happy with his time in Colorado.
Massive update on Necas' future in Colorado.
Jackie Kay from Mile High Sticking writes that the Avalanche either need to sign Necas or seriously consider trading him. You don't need to be an insider to recognize that Colorado simply can't afford to let the centrepiece of the Mikko Rantanen return, and their projected top-line winger, walk for nothing next summer.
What's more telling, however, is the tone and frequency of the chatter around Necas, which suggests a situation may be quietly simmering behind the scenes, not unlike what we saw unfold with Rantanen.
Here's what NHL insider Chris Johnston had to say recently on the Necas situation...
"The reason his name is out there to a degree is because he is 1 year away from UFA so you either got to be extending him at some point or maybe trading him if you can upgrade him, I mean a team like Colorado is going to be trying to win next year" -Johnston
It's true that the Avalanche tend to handle their business quietly, and hammering out a pricey long-term contract naturally takes time. But even with that in mind, there's been an undeniable, lingering sense that Necas' time in Colorado might more temporary than permanent, an uncomfortable elephant in the room that's been hard to ignore.
"Based on one projection from CapWages, Nečas is expected to sign a seven year deal at $9.11 million per year. That sounds fairly reasonable for a player who finished top 20 in the NHL in scoring with 83 points. But, are the Avalanche prepared to make that type of commitment? Also, is the ask from said player within the reasonable realm as he's staring down impending unrestricted free agency and a salary cap that's projected to increase to $104 million next summer?" -Kay
If the two sides haven't found common ground by now, it's hard to imagine that changing as time goes on. After what happened with Rantanen, without the benefit of a decade-long history or a Stanley Cup bond, the Avalanche are unlikely to let a short-term, movable asset like Necas remain in limbo on the roster.
Insider Elliotte Friedman also had this to say on the 32 Thoughts Podcast regarding Necas and his future in the NHL...
"Is he going to commit to the Avalanche? And if the answer is no, what is Colorado going to do about that? That's going to be one of the interesting questions throughout the year" -Friedman
Could this be another sign that the Avalanche are leaning into the idea that depth outweighs the value of a high-priced, top-line star? It's a legitimate question, especially if they believe spreading salary across multiple contributors gives them a better shot at long-term success than committing big money to one player.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 16 | 36 ANSWERS Latest report reveals shocking truth on Martin Necas' future in Colorado Do you think Necas and the Avalanche come to terms on a contract extension in the near future? | ||
| yes | 18 | 50 % |
| no | 18 | 50 % |
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