Martin Necas, acquired by the Colorado Avalanche in a mid-season trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, has quickly become a key component of the team's offensive strategy. However, as the 2025-26 season progresses, contract negotiations between Necas and the Avalanche management have reportedly hit a snag, raising questions about his long-term future in Denver.
At the heart of the issue is what has been described as the Avs' "ecosystem" mandate. According to reports, the Avalanche have communicated to Necas' camp that any contract extension must consider the team's overall financial structure, including a looming "healthy raise" for star defenseman Cale Makar and the existing $12.6 million contract of Nathan MacKinnon. This mandate suggests a philosophy of spreading the team's wealth to maintain a competitive roster, rather than allocating a large portion of the salary cap to a few top players.
While the Avalanche's approach is understandable from a team-building perspective, it could be a tough sell to Martin Necas. The 26-year-old winger is in a contract year and is coming off a strong start to the 2025-26 season, with 13 points in 11 games. Necas is currently playing in a top-line role with MacKinnon, which seems to be benefiting Necas. He is on pace to top his 2024-25 numbers, in which he set personal bests in both assists and points. Given his performance and potential, Necas may be seeking a contract that reflects his individual value, potentially exceeding what the Avalanche are willing to offer within their "ecosystem" framework.
The Avalanche's confidence in extending Necas suggests they value his contributions and believe an agreement can ultimately be reached. However, a "gap" in talks reportedly exists, highlighting the challenge of balancing the team's financial constraints with Necas' market value. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for the Avalanche's roster construction and long-term competitiveness.
Several factors could influence Necas' decision. He may want to be "the guy." Even still, he might want to commit long-term in Colorado. He could prioritize maximizing his earnings, potentially leading him to explore free agency or seek a trade to a team willing to pay a premium. Alternatively, Necas might value the opportunity to play on a competitive team like the Avalanche and be willing to accept a slightly lower salary to remain in a winning environment.
The situation is further complicated by the Avalanche's overall salary cap situation. The team has already made several moves to shed cap space, including trading Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. Re-signing key players like Brock Nelson also impacts their financial flexibility. The team also needs to consider Cale Makar's future contract, which is expected to be a major financial commitment.
Ultimately, the success of the Avalanche's "ecosystem" mandate in relation to Martin Necas will depend on both sides' willingness to compromise. If the Avalanche can convince Necas that their approach offers the best chance for sustained team success, he may be willing to accept a deal that fits within their financial structure. However, if Necas believes he can command a higher salary elsewhere, the Avalanche may face the difficult decision of trading a valuable player or risking losing him to free agency. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Martin Necas remains a cornerstone of the Avalanche's future.
