Why Necas’ 8-Year Deal with the Avalanche Could Change the NHL Forever

Martin Necas isn’t just sticking around Colorado — he’s locking in for the long haul with an eight-year deal that solidifies his place on the Avalanche’s roster. Talk about commitment! At 26, this forward is clearly hitting his stride, and after an explosive start to the season sporting an impressive point streak, it’s no wonder both sides wanted to make this official. From his lightning-fast adaptation since joining the team earlier this year to his candid enthusiasm about calling Denver home, Necas is all in on chasing that elusive Stanley Cup. This isn’t just a contract; it’s a statement that the Avalanche sees him as a key piece of their future — and honestly, who can blame them? It’s one thing to admire skill from afar, but acquiring a player with speed, finesse, and that rare top-line spark? That’s gold in today’s NHL. Ready to dive deeper into Necas’ journey and what this means for Colorado’s title aspirations? LEARN MORE.

Martin Necas signed an eight-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Super excited and happy to get this done,” Necas said after practice on Thursday. “I’m excited for the times ahead now. Now I can just focus on playing hockey, winning hockey games, and do whatever it takes to bring a Cup back here to Colorado.”

The 26-year-old forward could have been an unrestricted free agent after this season. He began his first full season for the Avalanche with an eight-game point streak (six goals, six assists) and has 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 11 games this season. He got his 40th point in his 38th game since joining the Avalanche, the fastest since the franchise relocated to Denver from Quebec to begin the 1995-96 season.

“I feel like coming into this season, having the whole camp, being with the guys, feel like a real player on the Colorado Avalanche,” he said. “I’ve seen the things we can do on the ice, and I was like, ‘Sign me up.’ The core group here is amazing. I’ve been on a great team in Carolina, and being here, seeing how good the guys are here and how special this group is, it was a big part of why I signed here.”

Necas was acquired by the Avalanche on Jan. 24, 2025, in a three-team trade involving the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks that sent Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall to Carolina. He was among the first six players named to Team Czechia’s preliminary roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

“It’s going to be nice to finally settle in somewhere and have a long-term contract and just focus on winning and nothing else,” Necas said. “I’m super excited, happy I can call this place home now.”

The No. 12 pick by Carolina in the 2017 NHL Draft, Necas has 339 points (131 goals, 208 assists) in 452 regular-season games with the Hurricanes and Avalanche and 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 66 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

“I think he’s an electric top-line winger at 26, turning 27 years old (in January),” Avalanche general manager Chris McFarland said. “They’re hard to find. They’re hard to acquire. You’ve got to draft them, or it’s a steep price to get [one], whether it’s in free agency or trade. But I think the fit has been really good. And his speed, his skill, his talent blends in really well here, but it would blend in anywhere, to be honest. He’s a very good hockey player, and we’re lucky to have him.”

The Avalanche visit the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Friday (4 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, ALT, SN1).

NHL.com columnist Nicholas J. Cotsonika contributed to this report