The Colorado Avalanche may be facing a financial dilemma that few saw coming. One of their key forward’s blistering start to the season has put him in line for a major payday. The upcoming deal is possibly one that could reshape Colorado’s long-term salary picture.
Are the Avalanche Headed Toward a Costly Cap Crunch?
Through the opening stretch of the 2025-26 campaign, Martin Necas has been a driving force beside Nathan MacKinnon. With 12 points in his first eight games, he’s become one of the NHL’s most productive right wings. His rise has also placed the Avalanche squarely in the middle of an emerging contract puzzle.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, Necas could command a deal in the $11 million per-year range, translating to roughly $88 million over eight years. That projection, Johnston noted, might even challenge Mikko Rantanen’s former $12 million AAV benchmark. That was a number few believed another Avalanche winger would reach so soon.
“Necas is well-positioned for a monster payday. Basically, he’s picked the ideal time to make good on his star-level talent,” Johnston wrote.
The timing couldn’t be trickier. Necas, 26, is entering the final season of his two-year, $13 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. His play suggests he’s trending toward a top-tier deal, but Colorado must balance that potential against an already crowded cap sheet.
The Avalanche know this story all too well. Rantanen’s eventual departure to Dallas was largely cap-driven, and management may soon find themselves in a similar position with Necas. If he continues to produce at this pace, he’ll have every reason to test the open market, and plenty of teams would line up to pay.
“It’s going to put the Avalanche in an interesting dilemma when navigating how to proceed,” Johnston added.
How Necas’ Breakout Affects the Avalanche’s Cap Strategy
Necas’ growth in Colorado has been rapid and timely. After arriving in January’s three-team trade that sent Rantanen and Taylor Hall to Carolina, he quickly found his rhythm alongside elite linemates. That chemistry has translated into points and leverage.
Johnston emphasized that while surpassing $12 million annually may be unlikely, the winger’s play has at least opened the conversation. The Avalanche’s front office, long praised for its planning, now faces a difficult decision: pay up to keep its emerging star or risk losing another high-end forward to cap realities.
Necas’ camp, reportedly taking a patient approach, has yet to engage in serious extension talks. Both sides appear content to let the season play out. That may benefit the player more than the team. Should he push past the 80- or even 90-point mark, his price tag will only rise.
The potential ripple effect extends beyond Necas himself. Colorado must also consider upcoming negotiations with defenseman Cale Makar, whose next deal could further stretch the team’s finances. If Necas’ number climbs into the $11-to-$12 million range, something else may have to give.
Necas has made his case on the ice. Now, Colorado decides whether that production is worth a contract that could redefine their salary cap landscape.
