Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Yet Another 2026 UFA Option As Star Forward Signs Massive Contract
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Just a few months ago, NHL teams were chomping at the bit for the 2026 UFA cycle, and now, teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs are completely out of luck.
If you are a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, you know just how desperate the team is to replace Mitch Marner, as his absence has been hard for this team
The Maple Leafs have not been good to start the year, and the top-six just isn't good enough right now. With Matias Maccelli and Max Domi rotating in and out, this team needs some help.
Quite frankly, there is no world in which Nick Robertson should actually be on the first line. It just doesn't make a lick of sense.
Unfortunately, the Leafs took a huge blow before the season as 2026 UFA Connor McDavid signed a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers. It removed a name from the board, and the Leafs were forced to look elsewhere.
One player that was at the top of their list was Martin Necas, a point-per-game forward for the Colorado Avalanche. Unfortunately, he's off the list now, too.
Martin Necas re-ups with the Colorado Avalanche
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the forward has officially signed for eight years at an average annual salary of $11.5 million.
The Colorado Avalanche and Martin Necas completed an 8-year, $11.5M contract extension. Another UFA off the boardfront-loaded, $60M in signing bonuses, full NMC the first 7 years of the new deal.
There aren't many quality guys left, which is a huge problem for the Maple Leafs going into next summer. It means they might be forced to hit the trade market.
Overall, making a trade won't be any easier, especially when you consider how teams will happily overcharge for their best players.
This is going to be a tough season for the Leafs, and the opportunities to get better will be few and far between, which is certainly unfortunate.
As for Martin Necas and the Colorado Avalanche, this appears to be a partnership that is going to bring forth many wins.
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