Martin Necas just began his first full season as a member of the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night.
The main piece in the return for Mikko Rantanen got off to a great start in 2025-26, burying two goals in the Avs' 4-1 win over the LA Kings.
He clicked with the superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar on his goals, displaying an increased chemistry that continues to build.
Given that, it all seems to be going well for Necas in Colorado; however, that might not be the case, as there seem to be concerns about the pending RFAs' future with the team. On Thursday, James Murphy of RG Media added some fuel to the fire, sharing some information he received from a source on the Necas situation.
The source linked the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers as the two primary suitors should the star winger become available ahead of the deadline, which he believes will happen.
"I’d be stunned if he even finishes the season with the Avalanche, let alone extends in Colorado... I don't see how the Avalanche make it happen with Necas," the source said.
"I’ll tell you one thing: when it comes to trading for him, at least as a rental, I’d be watching the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers. …if, as I expect, the Rangers will be back in the playoff hunt," the source added.
According to an NHL source, the Maple Leafs and Rangers have expressed trade interest in Martin Necas before and will likely do so again this season.
— RG (@TheRGMedia) October 9, 2025
More from @MurphysLaw74 https://t.co/uWeXDOUWVo
He also mentioned to watch out for the Anaheim Ducks, given their cap space and the plethora of prospects they have to offer in a trade package.
The 26-year-old Necas is in the final season of the two-year, $13 million contract extension he originally signed with the Hurricanes in 2024.
Necas wants big money
The Colorado Avalanche would very likely prefer to keep Martin Necas, but if his asking price becomes too high, then they'll have to make a difficult decision.
Necas is a nice player with plenty of skill, which in this world of the increasing cap could result in an ask of $10+ million in average annual salary on his new deal.
That's too much for the Avalanche to stomach, especially with Makar needing a contract in a year's time.
It makes you wonder how much they regret not signing Mikko Rantanen to an eight-year, $96 million extension worth $12 million per season, because the difference between him and Necas is far more than what their contracts will end up saying.