Martin Necas to the Los Angeles Kings? Avalanche could address his discontent with proposed star swap
Photo credit: Heavy.com
The Colorado Avalanche could look to resolve forward Martin Necas' growing discontent by pursuing a proposed star-for-star trade with the Los Angeles Kings that would send Adrian Kempe to Colorado.
Necas has reportedly been unhappy with his time in Colorado since being traded from the Carolina Hurricanes last February.
Is Martin Necas for Adrian Kempe a realistic trade option for the Avalanche?
Dave Benson from Heavy.com writes that speculation indicates that Necas may be seeking a contract worth $9 million or more per year, and there's an increasing belief that if the Avalanche don't move quickly to secure a long-term extension, they could face a situation to the Mikko Rantanen standoff, only this time with the added risk of losing him for nothing.
"The Adrian Kempe situation with the Los Angeles Kings isn't identical, but there are similarities." -Benson
A homegrown talent for the Kings, Kempe has tallied 139 goals over the past four seasons, establishing himself as one of the team's most consistent offensive forces and a dependable presence on the top line. His current deal, a four-year, $22 million steal signed in 2022, is set to expire at the end of this season.
"It's in this context that an Avalanche analyst wonders if a potential deal could be made. Answering a reader's question in his August 5 mailbag, Aarif Deen with Colorado Hockey Now wonders if neither team can reach an agreement with its pending UFA, why not explore a swap - Nečas for Kempe?" -Benson
Both are established top-six players, both have uncertain futures with their current teams, and both could, at least in theory, provide exactly what the other club needs.
"For the Avalanche, Kempe represents stability, a known quantity. He's a durable, consistent finisher who can pot 35-40 goals and chip in on both special-teams units. His contract situation isn't without risk, but if the Avs believe they can extend him, they'd be acquiring a player with fewer question marks about fit and role. Kempe's direct, charge-to-the-net game would complement Colorado's speed and give MacKinnon and company another dangerous trigger man in playoff situations." -Benson
For the Kings, Necas offers a younger, more dynamic offensive presence who could serve as a cornerstone for the franchise's next era. He has the skill to quarterback a power play from the half wall, the vision to make his linemates better, and the skating ability to excel in the Pacific Division's fast-paced style.
The risk, however, lies in securing him long term, without that commitment, Los Angeles would be parting with one of the league's most reliable scorers in exchange for what could ultimately be just a rental.
"The trade would present a calculated risk for both GMs - safer for Colorado, bolder for LA. If either team makes significant headway in extension talks before the deadline, the conversation dies. But if negotiations stall? This could be one of those rare one-for-one blockbusters that actually makes sense for both sides." -Benson
We'll have to wait and see how Necas' situation in Colorado continues to unfold.
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