Avalanche Secure Martin Necas with Eight-Year Contract Extension

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Avalanche Secure Martin Necas with Eight-Year Contract Extension

The Colorado Avalanche have secured Martin Nečas with a significant eight-year contract extension. The deal, valued at $92 million, features an annual salary cap hit of $11.5 million. Notably, $60 million of the total amount is allocated as signing bonuses.

Contract Details

This extension will keep Nečas with the Avalanche until the end of the 2033-34 season. A no-movement clause will be in effect from 2026-27 through 2032-33. According to Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet, Nečas had reached the top tier of free agents for the upcoming off-season alongside Artemi Panarin.

Strategic Decisions

The Avalanche traded Mikko Rantanen to secure Nečas, emphasizing their need for a strong forward.
Rantanen was subsequently moved to the Dallas Stars, where he signed an eight-year deal.
This move came after other 2026 unrestricted free agents, such as Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, signed extensions.

Nečas has become a crucial player for Colorado, stepping up as the team’s de facto second forward behind Nathan MacKinnon. The Avalanche recognized the importance of finalizing this contract extension to avoid extended negotiations that caused issues with Rantanen.

Nečas’ Performance

Since joining the Avalanche, Nečas has demonstrated significant improvement. During the previous season, he achieved over a point-per-game average, recording 83 points in 79 matches, with 28 points in 30 games for Colorado. To start the current season, he has scored seven goals and registered 13 points in just 11 games.

Future Implications

With this contract, Nečas becomes the seventh player on the Avalanche roster signed through 2030 or beyond, joining other core players like Mackinnon and Valeri Nichushkin. This solidifies Colorado’s core while maintaining a favorable salary structure ahead of potential extension discussions for Cale Makar, who is also set to hit free agency in 2027.

The Avalanche appear optimistic about Nečas’s continued development, as he shows promise for sustained high-level performance. Historically, he averaged 23 goals and 58 points per 82 games during his tenure in Carolina. This past year, he had a remarkable 60.6 CF% at even strength, demonstrating improved possession play since relocating to Denver.

Conclusion

As Nečas settles into his long-term role, the Avalanche are looking to leverage his growth in the coming seasons. His recent achievements and strong start could be pivotal for Colorado’s success in maintaining a competitive edge in the NHL.