The Colorado Avalanche find themselves in a familiar yet unwanted situation. Just last year, superstar winger Mikko Rantanen haggled with team management over a new contract extension. The Finn was in the final year of his $9.25 million AAV deal and wanted a significant pay raise. Ultimately, the two sides could not agree, and Rantanen was shockingly shipped to the Carolina Hurricanes.
After a short stay on the East Coast, the winger was eventually traded again and signed an extension with the Dallas Stars. The massive eight-year deal is worth $12 million AAV. Avs fans, as well as Hurricanes supporters, were left frustrated by the whole ordeal.
Fast forward to the current season, and the Avalanche are feeling some déjà vu. Martin Necas, the main piece in the Rantanen trade, has flourished during his time in Denver. The fellow winger has racked up 41 points in exactly as many games so far with the Avs. However, he is currently in the final season of his two-year, $13 million contract ($6.5 million AAV). Much like Rantanen, Necas is seeking a big payday.
### Experts Claim Martin Necas Could Get Mikko Rantanen Money
Necas is excelling alongside superstar center Nathan MacKinnon, and experts believe the former Cane is in for a massive raise. Frank Seravalli claimed in mid-October that Necas will likely ask for around $11 million AAV. The Athletic’s Chris Johnston then went a step further by suggesting that the number could reach Rantanen’s deal with the Stars.
“While I’d be surprised if he ultimately surpassed Rantanen’s $12 million AAV on his next contract, I certainly can’t rule it out as a possibility,” Johnston stated. “That says something in itself. Right now, he projects to fall in the $11 million range, give or take, but he’s also patrolling the right wing beside Nathan MacKinnon and is poised to have another massive season. It’s going to put the Avalanche in an interesting dilemma when navigating how to proceed.”
Heading towards another contract standoff with a top player would be incredibly frustrating for the Avs and their fans. While there is still time to sort out an agreement with Necas, the longer the team goes without locking down the winger, the more negative attention they will receive.
### Necas Wants Big Payday, Ample Playing Time
The optics of paying Necas similar money as Rantanen may seem a bit odd. After all, Rantanen is widely regarded as the better player. However, previous reports claimed that the Finn was looking for $14 million AAV to remain in Denver. Rantanen only accepted less money with the Stars due to the lack of state income tax in Texas.
On top of this, the NHL salary cap is increasing. Players are obviously well aware of this and asking to be duly compensated. As a result, the Avalanche will need to carefully manage their salary cap situation to retain their key players and stay competitive.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/colorado-avalanche/martin-necas-demands-giving-avalanche-headache/
