The Colorado Avalanche made one of the boldest moves of the 2025 offseason when they traded Mikko Rantanen to the Dallas Stars. The blockbuster deal sent shockwaves through the hockey world as Colorado parted ways with one of their most productive forwards.
However, the Avalanche received Martin Necas in return and hasn’t looked back since. The move signaled the organization’s commitment to building around the young Czech forward.
However, questions lingered about whether management second-guessed the decision to move on from Rantanen. One insider recently spoke with the Avs GM about the trade, and the big man had something to say about the fiasco.
Chris MacFarland Explains Why The Avalanche Have Moved On From The Mikko Rantanen Trade
When Rantanen left the Stars, many thought the Avs just let go of one of their best forwards. In return, they signed Necas to an eight-year extension worth $11.5 million annually shortly after arriving in Colorado.
However, while the fans weren’t too thrilled with the move, Colorado GM Chris McFarland has a different take on the whole trade saga. He recently sat down with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun and talked about the implications of the trade.
MacFarland emphasized the importance of locking up Necas long-term immediately after acquiring him. The extension represented a must-get-done deal given the context of swapping Rantanen for the younger forward.
“It was big,” MacFarland said. “His age (26) and speed, and ability to transport pucks are what drew us to him. We felt his style would fit with the way we like to play.” The GM praised Necas for buying into Colorado’s defensive system as well.
“He’s buying in defensively, too, which is great to see,” MacFarland noted, highlighting the complete two-way game the forward brings. MacFarland pointed out that elite talents like Necas rarely hit free agency anymore. Getting him under contract represented a critical organizational priority.
“This caliber of player, I don’t think too many of them will hit free agency anymore, so I think it was important for us to make sure it was a good fit for Marty, which it was, and it’s obviously been a great fit for the team,” he explained.
When asked whether the organization has moved past the Rantanen saga, MacFarland provided a definitive answer. “I think everybody has,” he stated firmly. The GM framed the situation as a normal part of the professional sports business.
“It’s pro sports, right? We’re all going to have to deal with different scenarios and different contracts at different times of the cycle that teams are in,” MacFarland said matter-of-factly.
The Avalanche has experienced a strong start to the season, which has helped ease any lingering concerns about the blockbuster trade. Colorado leads the NHL standings and boasts the league’s most dangerous offensive attack.
Necas has fit seamlessly into the system alongside the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Meanwhile, MacFarland faces an even bigger contract negotiation looming on the horizon. Makar becomes eligible for an extension on July 1, one year before his current deal expires.
The GM made his intentions clear about addressing that situation immediately. “Fair to say that’s a pretty big priority,” MacFarland said with a chuckle, acknowledging the importance of locking up the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman.
For now, the Avalanche can focus on their championship pursuit without any distractions about past decisions. The Rantanen chapter has closed, and Colorado is writing a new story with Necas as a central character.
