If the Colorado Avalanche learned anything from last season, it’s that opening contract extension talks with Martin Necas sooner rather than later could be a strategic victory.
Necas emerged as the centerpiece of the Avalanche’s return in last season’s trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The 28 year old is poised for a substantial increase from the $6.5 million average annual value he earned over the past two seasons. Over 30 regular season games with Colorado, Necas tallied 28 points, contributing heavily on the first line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and anchoring the top power-play unit.
Yet historical precedent warrants caution. Initially, Colorado appeared on track to secure Mikko Rantanen’s extension with minimal friction. That trajectory shifted dramatically once Leon Draisaitl inked his eight-year, $112 million ($14 million AAV) contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. Rantanen pursued comparable compensation, resulting in a yearlong impasse that ultimately concluded when Chris MacFarland, fatigued by the stalemate, executed the trade that divided the fanbase at its core.
Trouble Lurking
A comparable scenario may be unfolding in Minnesota. Like the Avalanche, the Wild have an impending UFA reluctant to sign right away. Superstar Kirill Kaprizov reportedly declined a $128 million contract extension earlier this month—an agreement that would have vaulted him to the status of the highest-paid player in NHL history. While Wild general manager Bill Guerin suggested the reports were inaccurate, subsequent coverage indicates that negotiations have, at minimum, stalled for the time being.
Alternate captain Marcus Foligno, offered a measured perspective on the stalemate. As with elite athletes across disciplines—whether boxing, Major League Baseball, or the National Football League—these negotiations take time .
“He’s a franchise player,” Foligno was quoted in The Athletic on September 15. “He’s so special, and those guys, you can’t let go, right? It’s going to take time. You look at a lot of the superstars in the league. It’s going to take time. (There are) things they have to go back and forth with. We’re positive that he’ll be around, knowing he’s just focused on the next game and how to win as a team this season.”
Foligno knows Kaprizov on a level that none of us would understand as his teammate. We are discussing generational wealth and talent here, and it makes sense why Kaprizov is weighing his options not only with his agent but also in consultation with his family.
The same goes for Necas. Avalanche fans understandably feel on edge regarding his contract situation. Yet it is important to consider the broader context. With the NHL salary cap set to rise significantly over the next few seasons, a myriad of financial scenarios will come into play, particularly when negotiating with a player of Necas’ caliber. Such discussions are rarely swift, and patience will be essential as the organization works to secure a deal that reflects both his value and the team’s long-term strategy.
Avalanche Should Be Proactive
Necas enters the final year of his contract, and while technically the Avalanche have time to navigate the situation, the reality is more complex. If Kaprizov were to re-sign with the Wild tomorrow on a record-breaking deal, this could very well be a Rantanen 2.0 situation. But if we’ve learned anything from what happened last year, we need to approach this situation differently.
Necas is on the cusp of becoming a 100-point producer, and while he has yet to reach his prime, that moment is approaching rapidly. The decisions made in the coming months will be pivotal, potentially defining whether the Avalanche remain a legitimate Stanley Cup contender—or face a prolonged period of rebuilding. And the latter will have to happen eventually, but if the window to a Stanley Cup is still available, you best take advantage of it.
Necas Could Be Playing Chicken Himself
Necas is far from naive; he’s a smart man. It is entirely plausible that he is approaching the situation strategically, much like other elite professionals. He may be waiting to see how Kaprizov’s forthcoming contract shakes out before committing, guided by his agency team at Eclipse Sports Management. For now, signing a deal is likely the furthest thing from his mind—his focus remains squarely on the game itself. At recent optional skates, Necas has appeared nothing short of a player wholly intent on playing hockey.
The Avalanche, however, must maintain a broader perspective. Colorado needs Necas more than Necas needs the Avalanche. Should he recognize the leverage he possesses, management would be wise to act decisively. History has shown the cost of hesitation—Rantanen’s negotiations serve as a cautionary tale.
If Necas is on pace for a career-best year, pay the man.