Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche Lock Up Necas, Emerge Big Winners from Rantanen Trade

Colorado’s trade for Martin Necas, capped by his eight-year extension, positions the Avalanche as clear winners in the Rantanen deal.

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 30, 2025

The Colorado Avalanche have officially locked up forward Martin Necas with an eight-year, $92 million contract extension worth $11.5 million per season, keeping one of their newest offensive stars in Denver for the long haul. The deal is front-loaded with a staggering $60 million in signing bonuses and includes a full no-move clause for the first seven years — a clear sign that the Avalanche wanted to keep the player, and Necas wasn’t looking to go anywhere.

MORE MARTY PARTIES IN COLORADO‼️ pic.twitter.com/MmnzVEAgp5
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 30, 2025

Necas, 26, arrived in Colorado as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, and then eventually the Dallas Stars last season. Along with Necas, the Avalanche also received Jack Drury and two draft picks — a 2025 second-rounder and a 2026 fourth-rounder — in what was widely seen as a bold retooling move by GM Chris MacFarland.

At the time, it felt like the Avs were taking it on the chin from analysts and their fans, especially when rumors started to surface that Necas wasn’t necessarily looking to sign and might test free agency. The signing on Thursday changes that entire narrative.

Necas And Avalanche Big Winners Of That Trade

Now that both stars have signed — Rantanen in Dallas for 8 years at $12 million per season, and Necas in Colorado for slightly less — the comparison is unavoidable. Necas brings elite speed, puck-carrying ability, and dynamic creativity, fitting perfectly into Colorado’s high-tempo, transition-heavy system. He’s already built up great chemistry with Nathan MacKinnon and the idea of him testing the free agency waters and finding that kind of connection elsewhere would have been a risk.

While Rantanen remains the more proven scorer, he is three years older than Necas. The latter’s youth and versatility could make this a savvy long-term play. And, when you consider the Avs are saving $4 million and picked up other pieces, the Dallas Stars lost Logan Stankoven, a top-10 protected 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and a top-10 protected 2028 first-round pick.

The Avalanche may have gained the better long-term player, gained valuable cap flexibility, and added other assets. If he can maintain his progression and keep clicking with MacKinnon, that team will start turning heads, especially if and when they get Cale Makar locked in to a new deal.

Next: Rangers’ Lafreniere Under Pressure Amid Growing Trade Rumors