NHL fans may face a quieter offseason in 2026 following the Colorado Avalanche’s recent decision to extend forward Martin Necas with an eight-year contract. Announced on October 30, 2025, the extension reportedly totals $92 million, averaging $11.5 million annually against the salary cap. This significant deal removes another potential free agent from the market, further narrowing the pool of available talent for the upcoming free agency period.
The Avalanche acquired Necas in a trade involving Mikko Rantanen last season, and he has proven to be an excellent addition to the team. His performance has solidified the Avalanche’s forward lineup, making this contract extension a strategic move for the organization. However, the broader implications of this signing are felt league-wide, as it reflects a trend where top players are re-signing with their current teams.
Impact on 2026 Free Agency
Just weeks ago, the 2026 free-agent class appeared promising, featuring notable stars such as Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, Kirill Kaprizov from the Minnesota Wild, Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets, and Jack Eichel from the Vegas Golden Knights. Each of these players was entering the final year of their contracts, and negotiations were reportedly progressing slowly for some.
As of now, all of these top-tier players have signed new contracts with their respective teams, leaving only a handful of noteworthy names among potential free agents. The best remaining options include Artemi Panarin with the New York Rangers, Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres, Nick Schmaltz of the Utah Mammoth, and Sergei Bobrovsky, the goalie for the Florida Panthers.
While Panarin is still regarded as a significant player in the league, he will be 35 years old at the start of the next season and has shown signs of declining performance. Tuch and Schmaltz are solid contributors, yet they lack the star power that typically attracts hefty contracts. Bobrovsky, a future Hall of Fame goalie, is also approaching the twilight of his career, making the prospects for this year’s free agency less enticing.
The reduction in available high-impact players can largely be attributed to the increasing salary cap, which allows teams to retain their best talent. As a result, the offseason is set to be less dynamic, with fewer marquee signings expected.
The Avalanche’s decision to secure Necas reflects a strategic approach that many teams are likely to adopt moving forward: focusing on retaining established players rather than venturing into a less appealing free-agent market. As the offseason approaches, teams will need to adapt their strategies in light of the changing landscape within the NHL.
