NHL's latest blockbuster could spell disaster for Avalanche fans
Photo credit: Claus Andersen / Mile High Sticking
Kirill Kaprizov's record-breaking contract extension could spell real trouble for Colorado Avalanche fans, as it may drive up the price tag for superstar forward Martin Necas and complicate the team's future plans.
The pressure just intensified with news of Kaprizov's massive extension with the Minnesota Wild.
Why the NHL's latest blockbuster move could cripple the Avalanche.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that the Avalanche face a monumental decision with Necas. Ideally, they'd lock him up long term, but the challenge is clear, Necas wants to be paid. And to be fair, he's a talented player who deserves to be compensated.
"But that's not the point. The matter now turns to getting a deal out of the way. You see, Kaprizov's deal just set the floor for superstar contracts, that is, the handful of impactful game-changing players.
That floor applies to guys like Connor McDavid, for instance. But for players like Necas, who haven't quite attained superstar status, Kaprizov's deal is somewhat of a limit. Anyone who believes Necas should get $17 million AAV must be off their rocker." -Quixtan
That floor applies to guys like Connor McDavid, for instance. But for players like Necas, who haven't quite attained superstar status, Kaprizov's deal is somewhat of a limit. Anyone who believes Necas should get $17 million AAV must be off their rocker." -Quixtan
So, how much should Necas get?
With the market shifting, Necas could realistically aim for anywhere between $12 million and $17 million, a wide but plausible range.
The real question is whether the Avalanche are willing to meet his demands. That's the dilemma Colorado currently faces.
"As simplistic as it may sound, the Colorado Avalanche are down to two paths with Martin Necas. They can either pay or trade him. There's really no other way around it.
As we've outlined before, the Avs face the same situation with Necas as they did with Mikko Rantanen. Rantanen needed a new contract, and the Avs didn't want to pay him more than Nathan MacKinnon." -Quixtan
As we've outlined before, the Avs face the same situation with Necas as they did with Mikko Rantanen. Rantanen needed a new contract, and the Avs didn't want to pay him more than Nathan MacKinnon." -Quixtan
That's the exact dilemma the Avalanche face this season: either pay Necas, likely more than MacKinnon, or trade him.
Trading him could make sense, but it's unclear which team would be willing to meet his contract demands. A rebuilding team like the Anaheim Ducks or Chicago Blackhawks might be potential suitors.
"At this point, Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland will likely reach out to Necas' camp to see where their thought process is. While Necas isn't at Kaprizov's level just yet, Necas' camp could use Kaprizov's deal as a ballpark. At that point, MacFarland must decide if he's willing to go along for the ride." -Quixtan
These are just two of the potential paths the Avalanche must weigh. The decision will likely come sooner than fans expect.
The longer Colorado holds onto Necas, the greater the risk of missing out on a blockbuster trade. Otherwise, they could simply pay him and move forward.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 1 | 37 ANSWERS NHL's latest blockbuster could spell disaster for Avalanche fans Would you pay Necas $17 million a year on his next contract? | ||
| yes | 6 | 16.2 % |
| no | 31 | 83.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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