The Colorado Avalanche has finalized an eight-year deal worth $92 million with winger Martin Necas. The agreement boasts an average annual salary of $11.5 million, running through the 2033-34 season. This contract comes off the back of the Avalanche learning from last season’s missteps following the debacle involving Mikko Rantanen.

Martin Necas was brought in last season as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes after contract discussions fell through. Since his arrival in Denver, Necas has quickly established a strong rapport with superstar Nathan MacKinnon, contributing significantly with 18 goals and 23 assists across 41 games.

Originally selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, Necas found his stride during the 2022-23 season, recording an impressive 71 points in 82 games with the Hurricanes. The Avalanche’s decision to secure Necas has put him and MacKinnon on a locked path together until at least 2030-31.

With a clear learning curve from last year’s ordeal with Rantanen, the Avalanche is not risking another chance to lose a key player, especially with their championship window still open.

Lessons learned from last year

The unusual Rantanen trade left fans shocked as he had been a star player. However, discussions about his long-term contract failed, leading to Colorado taking a chance on Necas instead. Following Rantanen’s trade to the Dallas Stars, where he inked an eight-year deal worth $12 million per year, he became a playoff standout, leading the Stars to a remarkable comeback against Colorado.

Now, with Necas on board, the Avalanche solidifies its future alongside MacKinnon as they aim for continued competitiveness in the league. This signing comes as the free agent pool for 2026 narrows, with top players like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov already extending their contracts with their teams.