Martin Necas: Will He Land In Colorado?

Hey hockey fans! The NHL rumor mill is buzzing, and one name keeps popping up: Martin Necas. Specifically, Martin Necas potentially heading to the Colorado Avalanche. So, let's dive into why this is even a conversation, what Necas brings to the table, and whether Denver might be his next hockey home.

Who is Martin Necas?

First things first, for those who aren't die-hard Carolina Hurricanes fans, let’s get you up to speed on Martin Necas. Drafted 12th overall in 2017, Necas is a dynamic forward known for his exceptional skating ability, playmaking skills, and offensive upside. He's a right-shot center/winger, which already makes him valuable, given how many teams crave right-handed shots in their top six. Over the past few seasons, Necas has shown flashes of brilliance, showcasing the potential that made him a high draft pick. However, consistency has been an issue. Some nights, he looks like a world-beater, weaving through defenses and setting up teammates with ease. Other nights, he can be a bit invisible, leading to some frustration from Hurricanes fans and the coaching staff. His best season statistically was the 2022-2023 campaign, where he tallied 28 goals and 71 points. That kind of offensive production is exactly what teams are looking for, and it's why he's become such a hot commodity in trade talks. He's still relatively young, too, which adds to his appeal. At just 25 years old, he theoretically hasn't even hit his prime yet. A change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to unlock his full potential and become the star player many believe he can be.

Why Colorado?

So, why is Colorado even in the mix for Necas? A few key reasons stand out. The Avalanche are always in "win-now" mode with superstars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen leading the charge. They're constantly looking for ways to improve their roster and add more offensive firepower. While they've got plenty of star power, depth scoring has been an occasional issue. Adding a player like Necas would give them another dynamic offensive threat, someone who can create plays and score goals, taking some pressure off the top line. He could slot in on the second line, providing a significant boost to their overall offensive depth. Beyond the on-ice fit, there's also the contract situation. Necas is a restricted free agent (RFA), meaning the Hurricanes still have his rights, but he's also eligible to negotiate with other teams. This gives Colorado some leverage in trade talks. They can potentially acquire Necas knowing they'll be able to sign him to a contract that works for both sides. Colorado also has some assets they could use in a trade, including prospects and draft picks. Whether the Hurricanes would be interested in what the Avalanche are offering remains to be seen, but the pieces are there to potentially make a deal work. Overall, the Avalanche's need for more offensive depth, their win-now mentality, and their ability to offer a competitive package make them a logical suitor for Martin Necas.

What Does Necas Bring to the Avalanche?

Okay, so let's say the Avalanche actually pull off a trade for Necas. What exactly would he bring to the team? Well, first and foremost, he brings speed and skill. Necas is an electric skater who can fly up and down the ice. He's got excellent hands and can make plays at high speed, which is a perfect fit for the Avalanche's fast-paced offensive style. He's also a versatile player. While he's primarily played center and right wing, he's capable of playing on either side, giving the coaching staff more flexibility in line combinations. This versatility would allow the Avalanche to experiment with different lineups and find the best fit for Necas and the team. Beyond his offensive skills, Necas also brings a competitive edge. He's not afraid to get involved physically and battle for pucks. While he's not the biggest player, he plays with a lot of heart and determination. This grit and competitiveness would be a welcome addition to the Avalanche lineup. He also has the potential to be a power-play weapon. With his playmaking ability and shooting skills, he could be a valuable asset on the man advantage. The Avalanche already have a potent power play, but adding Necas would make it even more dangerous. Overall, Necas would bring a combination of speed, skill, versatility, and competitiveness to the Avalanche, making them an even more formidable offensive team.

Potential Trade Scenarios

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty: what might a trade for Necas actually look like? This is where things get tricky because it depends on what the Hurricanes are looking for in return. Typically, trades involving young, talented players like Necas involve a combination of prospects, draft picks, and maybe even a roster player. One potential scenario could involve the Avalanche sending a top prospect, such as defenseman Sean Behrens, along with a first-round draft pick. Behrens is a highly regarded prospect with a bright future, and he could be a valuable addition to the Hurricanes' defensive pipeline. The first-round pick would give the Hurricanes another asset to use in future trades or to draft another talented young player. Another scenario could involve the Avalanche sending a roster player, such as forward Valeri Nichushkin, along with a prospect or draft pick. Nichushkin is a proven scorer who has had success in the NHL, but he's also had some off-ice issues. The Hurricanes might be willing to take a chance on him if the price is right. Of course, these are just a couple of potential scenarios. The actual trade could look very different depending on the needs and desires of both teams. The key is finding a deal that works for both sides and allows each team to address their weaknesses and improve their roster. Trade talks can be complex and unpredictable, but it's always fun to speculate and try to figure out what might happen.

The Risks

Of course, any potential trade comes with risks. For the Avalanche, the biggest risk is giving up too much for Necas and then him not living up to expectations. While he's shown flashes of brilliance, he hasn't yet consistently performed at a high level. There's a chance that he could struggle to adapt to a new team and a new system. There's also the risk of him not meshing well with the Avalanche's existing players. Chemistry is important in hockey, and if Necas doesn't fit in with the team's culture, it could negatively impact his performance. For the Hurricanes, the biggest risk is trading away a talented young player who could potentially become a star. Necas has a lot of potential, and if he reaches his full potential with another team, the Hurricanes could regret trading him away. There's also the risk of not getting enough in return for Necas. If they don't get a package of players and picks that adequately compensates them for his value, they could be setting themselves back in the long run. Overall, any trade involves risks for both teams. It's important to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before making a deal. Sometimes, the best move is to stand pat and not make a trade at all.

Final Verdict: Will it Happen?

So, will Martin Necas end up in Colorado? Honestly, it's tough to say. The Avalanche definitely have the need and the assets to make a deal, but so do other teams. Ultimately, it will come down to what the Hurricanes are looking for and whether the Avalanche are willing to meet their demands. If the Avalanche are willing to part with a top prospect and a high draft pick, they could definitely be in the driver's seat. However, if the Hurricanes are asking for too much, the Avalanche might be better off looking at other options. The NHL trade market is always unpredictable, so anything is possible. But one thing is for sure: the Martin Necas situation is definitely one to watch in the coming weeks.

Keep your eyes peeled, hockey fans! This could get interesting.