Avalanche Trade Targets: Is Martin Necas A Good Fit?

The Colorado Avalanche are always looking for ways to improve their roster and remain competitive in the stacked Western Conference. One name that's been circulating in trade rumors lately is Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes. Could Necas be the missing piece the Avalanche need for another deep playoff run? Let's dive into the potential fit, the pros and cons, and what it might take to bring him to Denver.

What Martin Necas Brings to the Table

When we talk about Martin Necas, we're talking about a dynamic, offensive-minded forward with a ton of upside. Necas has shown flashes of brilliance with the Hurricanes, demonstrating excellent skating ability, puck-handling skills, and a knack for finding the back of the net. He's a right-handed shot, which is always a valuable asset, and he has the versatility to play both center and wing. For the Avalanche, who thrive on speed and skill, Necas could be a seamless fit in their top-nine forward group. Imagine him alongside Nathan MacKinnon or Mikko Rantanen – the possibilities are exciting! He is known for his playmaking abilities and his capability to drive offense. These skills would mesh well with the Avalanche's existing core, creating even more scoring chances. His speed and agility make him difficult for defenders to contain, and his offensive instincts allow him to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Furthermore, Necas has shown a willingness to compete in all zones, demonstrating a responsible defensive game that would endear him to Avalanche coach Jared Bednar. His two-way capabilities would make him a valuable asset in all situations, whether it be on the power play, penalty kill, or during crucial moments in close games. This well-rounded skill set makes Necas an attractive option for the Avalanche as they look to bolster their roster and maintain their status as a top contender in the Western Conference. His addition could provide the team with an extra spark and elevate their offensive potential to new heights.

Why the Avalanche Might Want Him

So, why should the Avalanche specifically target Martin Necas? Well, for starters, adding another top-tier offensive talent never hurts. The Avalanche are already a high-scoring team, but having more firepower is crucial, especially in the playoffs when games get tighter and goals are harder to come by. Necas could provide that extra offensive punch, taking some of the pressure off MacKinnon and Rantanen. Adding Necas would also give the Avalanche more flexibility in their lineup. He can slot in on different lines and in different roles, depending on the team's needs. Need a goal? Put Necas on the top line. Need to shut down the opposition? Use him in a more defensive role. His versatility is a huge asset. Beyond his on-ice abilities, Necas is still relatively young, which means he could be a long-term piece for the Avalanche. He has the potential to continue improving and developing his game, making him an even more valuable player down the road. The Avalanche have a track record of developing young talent, and Necas could thrive in their system. Plus, adding a player like Necas sends a message to the rest of the league that the Avalanche are serious about winning and are willing to do whatever it takes to stay at the top. This commitment to excellence can be contagious, inspiring the entire team to raise their level of play. Overall, the potential benefits of acquiring Necas are numerous and could significantly enhance the Avalanche's chances of competing for another Stanley Cup.

Potential Roadblocks: What Could Prevent the Trade

Of course, acquiring Martin Necas isn't as simple as just picking up the phone and making a trade. There are potential roadblocks that could prevent the deal from happening. The biggest hurdle is likely the cost. The Hurricanes aren't going to give up a talented player like Necas for nothing. They're going to want a significant return, likely including a combination of high draft picks, promising prospects, and perhaps even a roster player. The Avalanche will have to decide if they're willing to pay that price. They've been hesitant to part with their top prospects in the past, so it's unclear how aggressive they'll be in pursuing Necas. Another potential issue is Necas's contract situation. He's a restricted free agent (RFA) after this season, which means the Avalanche would have to sign him to a new contract if they acquire him. This could be a tricky negotiation, as Necas will likely be looking for a significant raise. The Avalanche will have to factor in his contract demands when evaluating his overall value. Furthermore, other teams may also be interested in acquiring Necas, which could drive up the price and make it more difficult for the Avalanche to win the bidding war. The Hurricanes may also have specific demands in terms of what they want in return, which may not align with what the Avalanche are willing to offer. Ultimately, the success of any potential trade will depend on a variety of factors, including the willingness of both teams to negotiate in good faith and the ability to find a mutually beneficial agreement.

What the Avalanche Might Have to Give Up

So, what might the Avalanche have to give up to land Martin Necas? That's the million-dollar question. The Hurricanes are likely looking for a package that includes a combination of assets. Here's a potential framework:

• Draft Picks: A first-round pick is almost certainly going to be part of the deal, and potentially even a second-round pick as well. The higher the pick, the more appealing the offer will be to the Hurricanes.
• Prospects: The Avalanche have some intriguing prospects in their system, such as Sean Behrens, and Oskar Olausson. The Hurricanes would likely want at least one of these players as part of the package. A combination of multiple lower-tier prospects could also be appealing.
• Roster Player: Depending on the other assets involved, the Hurricanes might also ask for a roster player. Someone like Bowen Byram could be appealing, as he's a young, talented defenseman with a lot of upside. However, the Avalanche may be hesitant to part with Byram.

A potential trade package could look something like this: First-round pick, Sean Behrens, and a conditional third-round pick. This would be a significant price to pay, but it might be what it takes to get Necas. Ultimately, the Avalanche will have to weigh the cost against the potential benefits and decide if it's worth it.

Alternative Options if the Necas Trade Fails

If the Avalanche are unable to acquire Martin Necas, there are other options they could explore to improve their roster. One possibility is to target another forward through trade or free agency. There are always players available who could provide additional scoring depth or add a different dimension to the team's offense. Another option is to focus on internal development. The Avalanche have a number of young players who are on the cusp of breaking into the NHL. Giving these players more opportunities to play and develop could pay dividends down the road. They could also look to add a defenseman to bolster their blue line. A solid, reliable defenseman could help improve the team's overall defensive play and provide more stability in their own zone. Ultimately, the Avalanche have a number of different avenues they can pursue to improve their team. The key is to be patient, evaluate all of their options, and make the best decision for the long-term success of the organization. Whether it's through trade, free agency, or internal development, the Avalanche are always looking for ways to get better and remain a top contender in the NHL.

The Verdict: Should the Avalanche Pursue Necas?

So, should the Avalanche pursue Martin Necas? It's a tough question with no easy answer. On one hand, Necas is a highly skilled player who could provide a significant boost to the Avalanche's offense. He's also relatively young and has the potential to continue improving. On the other hand, the cost to acquire him would be substantial, and there's no guarantee that he would be a perfect fit in the Avalanche's system. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what the Avalanche are willing to give up and how confident they are that Necas can be a key contributor to their team. If they believe that he's the missing piece they need to win another Stanley Cup, then it might be worth the risk. However, if they're not comfortable with the price or have concerns about his fit, then they might be better off exploring other options. It's a calculated gamble that Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland will have to carefully consider.