In a stunning development that has shaken the Colorado Avalanche organization, forward Martin Necas has publicly voiced his frustration with his time in Denver and confirmed that he intends to leave the team this offseason. The 26-year-old forward, acquired just five months ago in a blockbuster trade, didn’t mince words as he opened up about what he described as a “disconnected and disappointing” experience in Colorado.
“I’ve had enough,” Necas said during a candid media session in his home country of the Czech Republic. “From the moment I got there, it just didn’t feel right. The system didn’t suit my style, communication wasn’t clear, and honestly, it felt like I was just a piece in a transaction — not a player the team truly believed in.”
Necas, who was the centerpiece in the Avalanche’s controversial January trade that sent franchise icon Mikko Rantanen to Carolina, was seen as a key part of Colorado’s next chapter. But things never clicked. While he tallied 5 points in the team’s first-round playoff exit, it paled in comparison to Rantanen’s dominant performance — ironically, against the Avalanche — in which he scored five goals and added seven assists to eliminate his former team.
A Short-Lived Chapter Ends in Tension
Necas still has one year left on his contract, set to pay him $6.5 million for the 2025–26 season. But he’s made it clear he has no intention of suiting up for Colorado again, with his camp reportedly requesting a trade behind closed doors weeks ago. Now, with his public remarks, the situation has become impossible to ignore.
“I want to be in a place where I’m valued for who I am — not just used to plug a hole,” Necas said. “This isn’t personal toward my teammates — I respect those guys. But as far as the direction of the team, the way things were handled? It’s not for me.”
Sources inside the Avalanche organization were reportedly blindsided by Necas’ comments. One team executive, speaking anonymously, admitted there had been “frustrations on both sides,” but said they believed the relationship was still salvageable until Necas went public.
What’s Next for the Avalanche?
This latest bombshell adds to what’s becoming a chaotic offseason for GM Chris MacFarland. Already facing questions about the future of second-line center Brock Nelson and the long-term plan around superstar Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche must now figure out how to respond — and quickly.
Necas’ value on the trade market may take a hit due to his outspoken exit, but his youth, skill, and speed still make him a coveted asset. Several teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, and New Jersey Devils, are rumored to be monitoring the situation closely.
As for the fans in Colorado, the mood is split. Some sympathize with Necas, noting the unusual pressure he faced being brought in as the return for a beloved franchise figure. Others see his comments as unprofessional and damaging to a locker room already trying to find its identity after a rollercoaster season.
Closing the Chapter
Whether his time in Denver was doomed from the start or simply mismanaged along the way, one thing is clear: Martin Necas’ stint with the Avalanche is over before it ever truly began. And with it, a new wave of uncertainty now clouds a franchise that was hoping it had already weathered the storm.
