The Writing on the Wall: Why a Martin Necas Trade Seems Inevitable

0 Diana khan October 10, 2025

As an NHL analyst, I’ve learned to read the tea leaves, and right now, all signs point to one thing: Martin Necas’s time with the Colorado Avalanche is likely coming to an end. While both sides are saying the right things publicly, the salary cap realities and the chatter from around the league paint a very different picture.

A Looming Cap Crunch in Colorado

Let’s be clear: the Avalanche would love to keep a player of Necas’s caliber. He’s a dynamic, top-six forward who brings speed and skill to their lineup. However, the NHL is a hard-cap league, and tough decisions are a part of the game. The elephant in the room is Cale Makar’s next contract. He’s the cornerstone of their defense and a generational talent who will command a massive salary. With other key players also needing new deals in the coming years, the math simply doesn’t add up for the Avalanche to retain Necas at the price he’ll rightfully command.

The question is no longer if Necas will be traded, but when and to whom. Two teams that keep coming up in my conversations are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers. Both are in win-now mode and have a clear need for a player with Necas’s skill set. The Maple Leafs are always looking for more offensive firepower to support their core, and the Rangers want to be a playoff contender who could see Necas as the final piece of their puzzle.

What a Trade Could Look Like

For the Maple Leafs, a trade for Necas would likely involve a package of high-end prospects (Easton Cowan) and draft picks. They’ve shown a willingness to part with future assets for immediate help, and Necas would be a significant upgrade to their top-six. The Rangers, on the other hand, have a deep prospect pool and could offer a combination of young players and picks that would be very appealing to the Avalanche.

Ultimately, I believe Necas will be moved at or before the NHL trade deadline. The Avalanche are too smart to let an asset of his value walk for nothing. For fans of the Maple Leafs and Rangers, this is a situation to watch closely. The addition of Martin Necas could be the move that puts them over the top.