The Ottawa Senators are entering an important offseason, and General Manager Steve Staios needs to explore every avenue to improve the team. While the Senators made the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, more is expected of this team. One player who could potentially elevate Ottawa's offensive capabilities and overall team performance is Colorado Avalanche winger Martin Necas.
Necas, 26, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his NHL career. He began the 2024-25 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he recorded an impressive 55 points in 49 games. However, after being traded to the Avalanche, his production dipped slightly, registering 28 points in 30 games. While these numbers are still respectable, it was evident that he wasn't as comfortable in Colorado as he was in Carolina.
One of the primary reasons for Necas's success with the Hurricanes was that he was a focal point of their offense. In Ottawa, he could potentially replicate that role, providing a significant boost to the team's scoring ability. While Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle are undoubtedly the Senators' top forwards, neither has consistently produced elite point totals. Adding Necas to the mix would create a dynamic top line, potentially unlocking even more offensive output from Tkachuk and Stützle. A line featuring Stützle, Tkachuk, and Necas would be a formidable force, making the Senators a more dangerous team.
Of course, acquiring Necas would require the Senators to part with valuable assets. One potential trade scenario involves Drake Batherson. Batherson, 27, is coming off a career year, with 26 goals and 68 points in 82 games. While trading Batherson might seem counterintuitive, it's important to consider Necas's potential. While Batherson has been a consistent 60-point player, it's unclear if he can reach the 70-point plateau. Necas, on the other hand, has demonstrated the ability to score at an even higher rate, and a change of scenery could further unlock his offensive potential. A package including Batherson and a mid-round pick might be enough to entice the Avalanche to make a deal.
There are some potential downsides to consider. Necas is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $6.5 million cap hit. This means that the Senators would need to negotiate a new contract with him relatively quickly. Necas reportedly rejected a contract worth $9 million per year from the Avalanche, so he may be seeking a significant raise. If Ottawa acquires him, they would need to be prepared to pay him what he wants or risk losing him to free agency after just one season.
Ultimately, the decision to trade for Martin Necas is a complex one that requires careful consideration. However, given his offensive upside and the potential to create a more dynamic top line, the Senators should seriously explore the possibility of bringing him to Ottawa.
