Avalanche Could Resolve Discontent With Proposed Star Swap
The arrival of Martin Necas in Denver was meant to be a transformative move for the Colorado Avalanche—a deal that would soften the blow of losing a star player. Acquired in January through a three-team trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, Necas brought speed, playmaking, and the potential to become a key part of the Avalanche’s top-six alongside Nathan MacKinnon. On the ice, he lived up to the hype, tallying 28 points in 30 regular-season games and 5 more in seven playoff appearances. 
However, off the ice, there has been growing unease about Necas’ situation in Colorado. Reports this summer suggested that Necas was “not overly thrilled” with his current role, and with his contract nearing its end, the Avalanche could face complications.
Necas, 26, is entering the final year of a two-year, $6.5 million bridge deal, and will be a UFA after the 2025-26 season. Speculation is that he might seek a salary north of $9 million annually. There’s concern that if the Avalanche don’t secure a long-term extension soon, they could find themselves in a similar situation as with Rantanen, risking losing Necas without compensation.
For a salary-cap tight contender like Colorado, this is a potentially risky scenario. If Necas performs well early in the season, his trade value could soar. But would the Avalanche be better off trading him for a more established asset rather than waiting out a potentially tense UFA situation?
Adrian Kempe’s Contract Situation Mirrors Necas’
The contract situations of Necas and Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe are not identical, but they share similarities. Kempe, a homegrown King, has been a consistent offensive contributor, scoring 139 goals over the past four seasons. His current contract, a four-year, $22 million deal signed in 2022, expires at the end of this season.
Kings GM Ken Holland has expressed a desire to keep Kempe in LA, and in July, he mentioned that the team was ready to ramp up extension talks. However, the 29-year-old winger is likely seeking a significant raise, with reports suggesting he could demand around $10 million AAV, a steep price for a team looking to balance its aging core while staying competitive.
Trade Rumors: Necas for Kempe?
In this context, a potential trade between Colorado and Los Angeles has been suggested. Colorado Hockey Now’s Aarif Deen recently floated the idea in his August 5 mailbag: If neither team can reach an agreement with its pending UFA, why not explore a swap—Necas for Kempe?
Both players are top-six talents facing uncertain futures with their respective teams and could bring exactly what the other side needs.
For the Avalanche, Kempe represents stability—he’s a consistent goal scorer with the ability to put up 35–40 goals per season and contribute on both special teams. While his contract situation comes with some risk, if the Avalanche believe they can extend him, they would be adding a player who fits well with the team’s speed and would provide additional scoring punch alongside MacKinnon in high-stakes situations.
For the Kings, Necas is a younger, dynamic offensive force capable of running a power play and thriving in the fast-paced Pacific Division. He offers the potential to become a cornerstone for the team’s future, though the risk is whether they can lock him down long-term. Without that commitment, LA could trade one of its most reliable scorers for a potential rental.
The trade would be a calculated risk for both GMs—safer for Colorado, bolder for LA. If either team makes progress on contract extensions before the deadline, the idea may lose traction. But if negotiations hit a standstill, a one-for-one swap could emerge as a realistic and mutually beneficial blockbuster deal.
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