Avalanche’s Necas Future in Doubt: Trade Rumors Swirl as 2026 UFA Market Shifts
Denver, CO – October 12, 2023 – The Colorado Avalanche may be facing a difficult decision regarding the future of winger Martin Necas, with growing speculation that he won’t be re-signing with the team. As the NHL season kicks off, the possibility of a trade looms large, fueled by the Avalanche’s looming salary cap challenges and a rapidly evolving landscape of potential unrestricted free agents. This is a breaking news development that could significantly impact the Avalanche’s playoff aspirations and the broader NHL trade market. For fans following NHL news and seeking the latest SEO-optimized updates, archyde.com has the details.
Cap Crunch and a Shrinking UFA Pool
According to a longtime NHL pro scout who spoke with RG, the chances of Necas remaining in Colorado beyond this season are dwindling. “I’d be stunned if he even finishes the season with the Avalanche, let alone extends in Colorado,” the scout stated. This sentiment stems from the Avalanche’s need to prioritize a future contract for star defenseman Cale Makar, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027. Makar is projected to command upwards of $17 million annually when the NHL salary cap is expected to reach $113.5 million.
The situation is further complicated by recent contract extensions signed by other prominent players like Connor McDavid, Kyle Connor, and Jack Eichel, which have thinned out the pool of potential high-profile unrestricted free agents in 2026. Necas, now considered one of the top remaining options alongside Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe, is attracting significant attention from other teams. While the Kings and Kempe appear close to a deal, Panarin and Necas remain locked in contract disputes with their current clubs.
Trade Scenarios: Rental or Long-Term Solution?
The Avalanche face a critical decision: keep Necas as a “playoff rental” – acquiring him for a short-term boost during the postseason – or trade him now for assets. The source believes a trade is increasingly likely. “I don’t see how the Avalanche make it happen with Necas,” they said. “They need to lock up Cale Makar next offseason, and even with the cap going up, where are they finding the money to give Necas?”
Several teams have emerged as potential suitors. The Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers, both teams that previously showed interest in Necas when he was with the Carolina Hurricanes, are considered frontrunners for a rental deal. The Anaheim Ducks, with ample cap space ($12.9 million), are also a possibility, though their own pending free agents complicate matters. For teams seeking a longer-term solution, the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks, both possessing cap space ($6.6 million each), could explore acquiring Necas with the intention of signing him to an extension.
Necas’s Perspective and the Value of a Proven Scorer
Despite the swirling rumors, Necas, currently in the final year of a two-year, $13 million contract ($6.5 million cap hit), is publicly downplaying the speculation. “Obviously, I’ve seen it, and it doesn’t really surprise me,” Necas told The Denver Gazette after a two-goal performance in the season opener. “There’s so much stuff I see out there that’s not true… It sucks to hear these things, but you know inside of you what the truth is.”
However, the reality is that a long-term agreement with the Avalanche appears increasingly improbable. Necas has proven himself a capable scorer, and his value on the trade market is substantial. Understanding the intricacies of NHL contracts and the salary cap is crucial for fans. The NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) dictates how teams manage their finances, and teams like the Avalanche are constantly navigating these complexities to build a competitive roster. This situation highlights the delicate balance between retaining key players and ensuring long-term financial stability.
(Image Placeholder: Martin Necas in action for the Colorado Avalanche – Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
The coming weeks will be critical as the Avalanche assess their options and Necas continues to perform on the ice. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the Avalanche’s future but also have ripple effects across the NHL landscape. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates and in-depth analysis of this developing story and all things Google News worthy.
