It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearly two weeks into the season, but teams are already looking ahead to next season. We’ve seen several key players who were pending unrestricted free agents already sign massive contracts. However, there are still many players who could command a substantial amount of money if they reach the open market.
One of these possible free agents is a key forward on the Colorado Avalanche . This edition of NHL rumours deals with what the next deal could look like for that player.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
What Deal Could a Colorado Avalanche Forward Command
Rumour: We take a look at recent rumours surrounding pending UFA forward Martin Necas .
Analysis: Let’s start things off with a recent edition of the Friday Four with Sportsnet’s Michael Amato. He delves into if Necas may price himself out of Denver. Many of the prime free agents have already been signed. This means that Necas could a sough-after commodity if he gets to the open market.
Colorado’s dynamic forward already has nine points in five games so far this season. His hot start is only driving up his projected contract value for every team interested in him.
The Avalanche have long memories when it comes to trying to sign a high-flying forward that could be heading into free agent. Colorado fans are having flashbacks to the Mikko Rantanen situation . Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland pulled the trigger on a massive trade with the Carolina Hurricanes to salvage something. One wonders is something like that could happen again.
The Avs seem to have a salary hierarchy where Nathan MacKinnon is the highest-paid at $12.6 million per season. Colorado likely wants to slot Necas under MacKinnon’s deal. However, there one other player that Colorado wants to take into account with their next deal.
What It Means
Necas’ next deal is a big priority. However, MacFarland has to find money to take care of two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar . The All-World defender is making $9 million for this season and the next one. Makar is eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1, and getting a deal done will likely be the main item on the agenda.
Necas currently makes $6 million in the final year of his contract. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic said that Necas’ camp is letting the season start before letting talks get further down the road. This may seem like bad news for Colorado fans. However, LeBrun does offer some good news for Avalanche fans.
He feels that Necas and Colorado will get a deal done, but we could see a big price-tag attached to the Czech forward. LeBrun said that general managers will have to adjust to the rising salary cap. The insider things that a deal for Necas will land between $10 million to $12 million per season.
Getting the Necas deal done will allow the Avalanche to figure out their next move. Figuring out this contract is a vital puzzle piece in making sure they keep Makar long-term.
Main photo by: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
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