The recent signings of Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel and Kyle Connor thinned out the top talent in next summer's NHL free-agent market. That could push up the value [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-rumor-roundup-will-mcdavid-s-new-contract-set-a-bar-for-other-stars] of Los Angeles Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] right winger Adrian Kempe, Buffalo Sabres [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres] right winger Alex Tuch and Colorado Avalanche [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche] right winger Martin Necas. Contract talks have reportedly taken place [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/whats-holding-up-any-big-contract-extension-between-kings-and-kempe/] between the Kings and Kempe and the Sabres and Alex Tuch. It's believed the Kings don't want to risk losing their leading goal-scorer, especially with Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of this season. Meanwhile, Tuch has signalled his interest [https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-training-camp-day-1-notebook] in re-signing with the Sabres, but those discussions have reportedly stalled [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/insider-alex-tuchs-future-links-oilers-potential-suitors/50d8479f6447506b6b2503f7]. As for Necas, Sportsnet's Michael Amato raised the possibility [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/friday-four-will-necas-price-himself-out-of-colorado/] that he could price himself out of Colorado. The 26-year-old had a career-high 83 points last season split between the Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes]. Amato believes he could reach 90 points with a full season alongside superstar Nathan MacKinnon, which could push his asking price to over $10 million annually. Complicating things is that the Avalanche must ensure they have long-term cap room to re-sign superstar defenseman Cale Makar, who is UFA-eligible in 2027. It could cost them over $17 million annually to re-sign him. If the Avalanche sign Necas for between $10 million and $11 million annually, Amato speculates they might have to move a core player, such as Devon Toews, Brock Nelson, Valeri Nichushkin or Mackenzie Blackwood to free up sufficient space for Makar. That could explain why some observers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/insider-doubts-avalanche-will-hold-onto-martin-necas] doubt the Avalanche can keep Necas in the fold. Mike Matheson (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/86b6b6c7-a300-479b-a747-6beacd0b88e8.jpeg] Mike Matheson (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images) Turning to the Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens], contract extension negotiations with Lane Hutson have dominated headlines in Montreal. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the two sides have agreed [https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1977178743077757212] to keep those discussions out of the public eye. Hutson's contract negotiations are overshadowing Mike Matheson's UFA eligibility next summer. The 31-year-old Canadiens blueliner is in the final season of an eight-year contract [https://puckpedia.com/player/mike-matheson] with a cap hit of $4.875 million. Matheson has at times incurred the wrath of Canadiens fans for his occasional defensive mistakes. However, he has also garnered praise from the team for his all-around play and ability to log big minutes. Since pairing up with off-season acquisition Noah Dobson on the Canadiens' top pair, Matheson's play has improved. TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie pointed this out [https://www.tvasports.ca/2025/10/10/matheson-doit-a-tout-prix-rester-avec-le-ch] following the Habs' 5-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings]. Lavoie believes the Canadiens must do all they can to re-sign Matheson. The improved depth on their blueline will lighten his workload but still ensure his effectiveness as a top-four defenseman. With over $36.7 million in projected cap space [https://puckpedia.com/team/montreal-canadiens] for 2026-27, and with 15 active roster players under contract for next season, the Canadiens have the room to re-sign Matheson, depending on how much he'll seek. However, they must ensure they have sufficient long-term cap room for Hutson and rookie right winger Ivan Demidov, who'll need a new contract in 2027. For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
