Brad Treliving Could Make Aggressive Move for Unhappy Star as Maple Leafs Explore Trade Options
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving could end up giving Martin Necas a new home, after the star forward was unhappy with his time in Colorado after being traded.
As Toronto looks ahead to a life without Mitch Marner, they could replace him with another disgruntled forward in Martin Necas, after a report reveals that he isn't necessarily happy with his limited time in Colorado after being traded.
Martin Necas may want out of Colorado: Nick Kypreos
Releasing his 'Off-Season Trade Board', Maple Leafs and NHL analyst Nick Kypreos named Necas sixth on his list, explaining that he didn't feel comfortable after leaving Carolina in the Mikko Rantanen deal:
After the Avalanche moved Rantanen because of how difficult they perceived contract extension talks to be going, how much patience will they have with Necas; not a homegrown player or superstar talent, if negotiations on an extension start slowly this July?
There was a sense Necas wasn't overly thrilled with his experience in Colorado and that he wants to explore other options. - Nick Kypreos
There was a sense Necas wasn't overly thrilled with his experience in Colorado and that he wants to explore other options. - Nick Kypreos
With Necas having contract issues in Carolina before moving to the Avalanche, will Colorado want to budge on giving him a deal worth $50M?
Plus, does he even want to be there? It seems the Avs are going through a weird time with their roster with a lot of pending free agents, and with Cale Makar needing a deal by next summer: Does Colorado want to risk losing him for a Necas deal?
Toronto instead should lure him to greener pastures
Probably not, considering he's the best offensive defenseman in the league. So if they are weary about Necas' desire to stay in town, then GM Chris MacFarland needs to make a deal.
Brad Treliving needs to be on the other side of that phone. Losing Mitch Marner is going to be a huge loss offensively, and Necas can replace him up front.
A talented playmaker with elite vision, puck-handling and a quick release; he could easily slide into a winger role alongside Auston Matthews, and can play more than serviceable defense as well.
But if Toronto needs a center, they can rely on him too. He has a career 41% mark, and while that seems low, it's been skewed by him being on the wing a lot more often in recent years.
He also plays a very similar game to Marner in terms of cycling the puck and finding the open man, so it's not like Craig Berube would need to change much strategy wise (plus he's 6'3 and skates like the wind).
Necas had a career-high 83 points this season (27G, 56A) split between Carolina and Colorado. He also added 23 blocks, 62 hits, and only 16 PIM in 79 games.
They can look to Necas and say "You're our first line playmaker" and lock him down for the next several years and get his prime years while they're at it. It'll be expensive, and could cost Toronto a lot.
But if Colorado is really worried about Necas' fit, and they're worried it'll be a detriment to the team: Then Toronto needs to convince him to come over here where he'll be appreciated; and paid handsomely.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 588 ANSWERS Brad Treliving Could Make Aggressive Move for Unhappy Star as Maple Leafs Explore Trade Options Do you think Martin Necas would be a good investment for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 440 | 74.8 % |
| No | 148 | 25.2 % |
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