The Avalanche learned their lesson and signed impending UFA Martin Necas to an eight-year deal worth $11.5 million per season.
Last season, a contract impasse with then impending UFA Mikko Rantanen forced the Avs to deal him to the Hurricanes. Rantanen was later traded by the Canes and signed an eight-year contract worth $12 million per season with the Stars instead.
When the Avs acquired Necas from the Canes to replace Rantanen, they were in danger of running into the same situation again with a potential contract impasse with Necas, who had one season left on his deal at the time.
By re-signing Necas well before the trade deadline, the Avs locked up a key player and avoided any uncertainty.
Which player would you rather have, Rantanen for $12 million a season or Necas for $11.5 million a season?
