Martin Necas was recently asked about his relationship with Nathan MacKinnon after playing his first full season alongside the Colorado Avalanche superstar.
As expected, Necas had nothing but praise for his teammate, offering an assessment that also speaks to what makes MacKinnon one of the NHL’s best players.
Here’s what Necas had to say, courtesy of the Top Hokej Instagram account. Please keep in mind that these quotes are translated to English.
“He has quite a stern expression,” Necas said. “But I’d say that in some ways we are similar. I also do everything to the maximum. I want to win just like he does.”
Necas was also asked if anything about MacKinnon surprised him after spending an entire season around the Avalanche’s top forward.
“Not much surprised me. And what he does on the ice? Incredible. I’m glad that we play together,” Necas said.
Necas certainly benefited from playing alongside MacKinnon in 2025-26, recording a career-high 100 points while spending much of the season on the superstar’s wing.
The two forwards did have to adjust to playing together, particularly on the power play, where they often occupied similar areas of the ice. That contributed to some struggles for Colorado’s man advantage, but the Avalanche still saw Necas take another significant step offensively.
There’s no denying that Necas has played the best hockey of his career since arriving in Colorado in January 2025.
The 27-year-old is entering the first season of an eight-year contract extension worth $11.5 million annually against the salary cap. While his playoff production remains an area where he has more to prove, Necas has been everything the Avalanche hoped for, and more, since joining the club.