The arrival of Martin Necas in Denver was supposed to be one of those franchise-reset moves, the kind of deal that takes the sting out of losing a superstar.

Acquired by the Colorado Avalanche in January as part of a three-team trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, Necas brought speed, playmaking, and the tantalizing possibility of becoming the next great top-six staple to join Nathan MacKinnon. He didn't disappoint on the ice, scoring 28 points in 30 regular season games for Colorado, and another five in seven playoff contests.

However, away from the rink, there has been a steady undercurrent of unease. Reports this summer have hinted that Necas was "not overly thrilled" with his situation in Colorado, and given the current contract scenario, that could pose trouble for the Avalanche.

The 26-year-old center is entering the final season of a two-year, $6.5 million bridge deal and will be eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2025-26 season. Speculation suggests that Necas could be seeking $9 million or more annually, and there's a growing sense that if the Avalanche don't commit to a long-term extension soon, they risk repeating the Rantanen standoff, with the added danger of losing him for nothing.

For a cap-tight contender like Colorado, that's a dangerous place to be.

If Necas lights it up early, his trade value could spike. But would the Avalanche be better served flipping him for a more secure asset, rather than playing chicken with the UFA market?

The Adrian Kempe situation with the Los Angeles Kings isn't identical, but there are similarities.

A homegrown King who has scored 139 goals over the last four seasons, Kempe has been one of the team's most consistent offensive drivers and a reliable fixture on the top line. His current contract - a four-year, $22 million bargain signed in 2022 - expires at the end of this season.

By all accounts, Kings general manager Ken Holland wants to keep Kempe in Los Angeles. In mid-July, he said the organization was ready extension talks up to "get ramped up here," noting that he believes Kempe "wants to stay."

"I've got to get going on that front," Holland stressed. "Certainly, I want to get him signed to a long-term deal, he's a real important part of the team."

That's encouraging for LA, but it doesn't guarantee a deal will get done. The winger will turn 29 on September 13, meaning this could be his last shot at a big-ticket contract. Reports indicate that Kempe may target a deal in the $10 million AAV range, and while that's fair market value for a proven goal scorer in his prime, it's still a major cap commitment for a team that needs to support its aging core while retooling on the fly.

It's in this context that an Avalanche analyst wonders if a potential deal could be made. Answering a reader's question in his August 5 mailbag, Aarif Deen with Colorado Hockey Now wonders if neither team can reach an agreement with its pending UFA, why not explore a swap - Nečas for Kempe?

Both are top-six fixtures. Both face uncertain futures with their current clubs. And both could, in theory, bring exactly what the other team is looking for.

For the Avalanche, Kempe represents stability, a known quantity. He's a durable, consistent finisher who can pot 35-40 goals and chip in on both special-teams units. His contract situation isn't without risk, but if the Avs believe they can extend him, they'd be acquiring a player with fewer question marks about fit and role. Kempe's direct, charge-to-the-net game would complement Colorado's speed and give MacKinnon and company another dangerous trigger man in playoff situations.

For the Kings, Necas is a younger, more dynamic offensive creator who could become a cornerstone for the next phase of the franchise. He's got the skill to run a power play from the half wall, the vision to elevate linemates, and the skating to thrive in the Pacific Division's track-meet pace. The gamble, of course, is whether they could sign him long term. Without that commitment, LA risks trading one of the league's most dependable scorers for a potential rental.

The trade would present a calculated risk for both GMs - safer for Colorado, bolder for LA. If either team makes significant headway in extension talks before the deadline, the conversation dies. But if negotiations stall? This could be one of those rare one-for-one blockbusters that actually makes sense for both sides.