Worth trading for? Recent report sounds off on Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas
Photo credit: Perry Nelson / USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche pulled off one of the biggest blockbuster trades in the NHL this season. They made headlines by trading star winger Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Martin Necas.
Prior to the trade, Necas was having a career-best season, tallying 16 goals and 55 points in 49 games with the Hurricanes.
Recent report sounds off on newly acquired Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas.
In 30 games with the Avalanche, Necas performed solidly, registering 11 goals and 28 points. His five power-play goals were an encouraging development, especially considering he had only two more in 19 additional games with the Hurricanes.
Perhaps most notably, his average ice time increased by nearly two and and a half minutes per game, writes Ryan Womeldorf from The Hockey Writers.
"Necas finished the season strong, posting at least a point in seven of his final 10 games (10 points in all). His progress shows his growing comfort level, especially playing next to Nathan MacKinnon. The Avalanche have to feel good about having him for a full season in 2025-26." -Womeldorf
Losing a player of Rantanen's caliber was a tough blow. He, along with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, consistently ranked among the league's top scorers. Even in his best season, Necas hasn't come close to matching that level of production. While salary cap and contract complications likely drove the trade, it didn't make the departure any less disheartening.
"It didn't help Necas' defenders that he scored just a single point through the first four games of the Dallas series, but he acquitted himself well with three points across Games 5 and 6. If the Avalanche want to remain a contender, he has to continue to develop in the right direction." -Womeldorf
Here's Womeldorf's assessment of Necas' past season with the Avalanche...
Scoring - B+
Defense - B+
Playmaking - B+
Teamwork - A -
Overall - B+
Defense - B+
Playmaking - B+
Teamwork - A -
Overall - B+
The Avalanche have made some bold moves to keep their roster competitive, and despite several pressing concerns, they remain in the hunt.
Whether the Avalanche can break through and return to championship form may hinge on Necas taking the next step and establishing himself as a premier offensive threat. But that shouldn't be too much of an issue playing a full season alongside MacKinnon and company.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 23 ANSWERS Worth trading for? Recent report sounds off on Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas Do you agree with this article's assessment of Martin Necas' from this past season with the Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 17 | 73.9 % |
| no | 6 | 26.1 % |
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