Things are moving fast for Martin Necas, maybe a little too fast. After being part of the high-profile deal that sent Mikko Rantanen out of Colorado, Necas may already be eyeing the exit himself.
According to multiple reports, including from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the talented Czech forward isn’t feeling settled in Denver.
“There was a sense Necas wasn’t overly thrilled with his experience in Colorado and that he wants to explore other options,” Friedman noted during a recent segment.
His comments came on the heels of Colorado’s decision to ship Rantanen to the Hurricanes, only to flip him to Dallas in a sign-and-trade. That deal brought back Jack Drury and Necas — but the Avalanche may not be finished dealing.
Bruins already linked to Rantanen, could Necas be next?
Boston had reportedly kept tabs on Rantanen before he was moved.
Although they missed out on the star winger, Necas might give them a second shot at a top-line Czech forward, and this time, it could be an even better fit.
Necas and Bruins star David Pastrnak already have history.
They played together during the IIHF World Championship and sparked instant chemistry, feeding off each other’s speed and puck instincts.
He’s played with Pastrnak/Zacha at the Worlds and is a speedy, consistent scorer.
Sweeney needs to be aggressive for Bruins to return to contention
With the Bruins in transition following the trades of Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle, GM Don Sweeney is under pressure to retool the roster.
Scoring depth is a concern, and Necas, at 25 years old, fits both the short- and long-term needs of a team looking to stay competitive.
He’s fast, skilled and comfortable on either wing.
More importantly, he doesn’t shy away from big moments, something Boston has lacked in the postseason since Patrice Bergeron’s retirement.
If the Avalanche truly sense hesitation in contract talks, Sweeney should pounce. Colorado has already shown a willingness to move top-six talent to avoid drawn-out negotiations.
A potential top-line trio waiting to be unlocked
Necas tallied 24 goals and 53 points last season with Carolina.
His time in Colorado hasn’t gained traction, not yet, but that could change in Boston.
Placing him alongside Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha, two fellow Czechs he’s played with before, could form one of the league’s most cohesive lines.
There’s a familiarity and rhythm between them that doesn’t need much time to develop. And in a league where speed, timing and chemistry are everything, that matters more than ever.
