After Colorado's blockbuster trade last week, there's been an adjustment period for the Avalanche's new players. And the centerpiece of the Avs' return on that trade is thriving.
Following last Friday's massive trade involving the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks, the players involved are settling into their new environments. And in Denver, the key piece the Avs got in return for shipping out star winger Mikko Rantanen -- forward Martin Necas -- has quickly adapted and become a major part of Colorado's attack.
Necas was pointless in his first game with Colorado against the Boston Bruins, but after that, he's posted two points in each of his next two games, giving him 43 assists and 59 points in 52 games this season. The 26-year-old has also been a major minute-muncher, playing 25:08 in his first game as an Av, then playing 24:42 in his most recent game with Colorado. He's showing why Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland wanted him in the Rantanen trade, and the more comfortable Necas gets, the more productive he's likely to be.
The Avs' other acquisition in the Rantanen trade -- center Jack Drury -- also is looking good for Colorado, generating two goals in three games. But let's be honest -- Necas is the player that matters most in the blockbuster deal. And Necas now has the opportunity to play with phenomenal talents like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, which means his offensive totals almost certainly will rise quite a bit.
We'll see how Necas evolves as an Avalanche, but for now, all signs point to this trade being a success for Colorado.
