Latest news with #Nečas
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
The Colorado Avalanche traded Mikko Rantanen for Martin Nečas—now Chris MacFarland's projected $10M gamble faces the test
When the Colorado Avalanche sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a high-stakes July trade, it sparked immediate backlash. The star winger, who reportedly wanted to stay, was moved for Martin Nečas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It was a calculated gamble by general manager Chris MacFarland, who clearly had his eyes on long-term roster control and a better financial balance. Now, as contract talks with Nečas approach a critical stage, the Avalanche find themselves at a defining crossroads. What Nečas signs for—and how he performs—will determine whether MacFarland's gamble pays off or backfires. Colorado bet on Martin Nečas as a younger, cost-controlled option after trading Mikko Rantanen to Carolina. With contract talks looming, the Avalanche face a pivotal moment. With Mikko Rantanen gone, the pressure is on Martin Nečas to prove he's worth the bet—and the $10 million payday looming in Colorado The trade wasn't just bold—it was personal for Avalanche fans. Mikko Rantanen, a proven playoff performer and elite winger, had made it clear he wanted to stay in Denver. But with his contract set to expire and salary demands climbing, Chris MacFarland made a controversial move, sending Rantanen to Carolina in exchange for younger assets—headlined by Martin Nečas. The justification? Nečas carried an extra year of team control and looked like a natural fit beside superstar center Nathan MacKinnon. MacFarland, weighing future cap space and roster flexibility, likely saw the move as a way to extend Colorado's competitive window without locking into another massive contract. The risk, however, remains enormous. Nečas showed promising chemistry after arriving in Colorado, scoring 11 goals and tallying 28 points across 30 games to close out the 2025 season. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His final totals stood at 27 goals and 83 points in 79 games—strong numbers that hinted at his ability to shoulder top-line responsibilities. But the Avalanche now face a contract puzzle that mirrors the one they just tried to escape. Speaking on Sportsnet's Real Kyper and Bourne in late June, NHL analyst Nick Kypreos said, 'The feeling is Martin Nečas could get $10 million or more.' That projected number has stirred a new round of debate: if Nečas is going to command $10 million per year, why didn't Colorado just pay Rantanen the $12 million the Dallas Stars handed him? It's a question that looms over the front office. For MacFarland, the decision to swap proven production for a younger alternative only makes sense if Nečas can match that output—and do so at a more manageable cost. , who won't turn 27 until January, brings speed, skill, and a profile that complements MacKinnon's relentless pace. His potential to evolve into a long-term cornerstone, behind MacKinnon and Cale Makar, is exactly what Colorado is banking on. Martin Nečas's deal will define the Colorado Avalanche's future without Mikko Rantanen The next contract Martin Nečas signs won't just impact his career—it could redefine Chris MacFarland's tenure as general manager. The Avalanche made their choice, parting ways with Mikko Rantanen for a player they believe fits the future. But the moment Nečas inks his new deal, comparisons will begin—and likely never stop. Fair or not, these contract talks now carry the weight of a franchise-altering trade and the future direction of the Colorado Avalanche. Also Read:
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Canucks Tried To Acquire Nečas From The Hurricanes
On Friday, the Carolina Hurricanes made a blockbuster move, sending center Martin Nečas to the Colorado Avalanche. After details of the trade started leaking, a report from Rick Dhaliwal of "Donnie and Dhali" indicated that the Vancouver Canucks called the Hurricanes to see if a Nečas deal was possible. According to Dhaliwal, the trade would have involved J.T. Miller, with the result being Carolina declining a potential deal. Latest From : Kiefer Sherwood Ties Canucks Single-Season Hits Record 'Trust Your Game': How Canucks Goaltender Kevin Lankinen Elevated His Play With A New Team Which Canucks Would Make This Year's Hypothetical All-Star Game? This is not the first time that the Canucks and Hurricanes have discussed a potential trade involving Nečas. Last season, reports indicated that the two teams were discussing a trade where Nečas would head to Vancouver in exchange for center Elias Pettersson. In the end, no trade occurred, and Pettersson signed an eight-year extension just a few days later. Canucks asked about Necas in Miller trade talks but were quickly told no. — Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) January 25, 2025 With Carolina acquiring both Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall, it looks like they are out of the Miller sweepstakes. Reporting over the past couple of days had linked the Hurricanes to Miller, but no deal appears to have materialized. Miller has also been linked to the New York Rangers and, according to reports, was almost dealt to his former team less than two weeks Canucks are slowly running out of time to make a massive trade this season. The 2025 Trade Deadline is scheduled for March 7th, which is 42 days away. Based on the way Vancouver is playing, fans can expect plenty of rumours surrounding the team up until the deadline hits. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through
