Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski has inked a two-year contract extension. He will earn $2.65 million over the next couple of campaigns. Korchinski was a restricted free agent. The Blackhawks have had high hopes for Korchinski, selecting him seventh overall in the 2022 draft. However, he has yet to make a significant mark in the NHL. The 22-year-old has recorded 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) and 109 blocks in 105 career regular-season games. Korchinski saw action in just 13 games for Chicago in 2025-26 and, with the Blackhawks' revamped blue line, looks likely to open 2026-27 as the seventh defenseman.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has agreed to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports. It's the richest deal in NHL history, making Makar the first player to earn at least $20 million annually. He will have a cap hit of $20.4 million starting in the 2027-28 season. Makar will more than double his current $9 million per year salary. Colorado has seen Makar develop into one of the league's best defensemen, making this raise well earned. The deal includes a full no-movement clause and will keep Makar under contract through the 2034-35 season, when he will be 36 years old.

Calgary Flames defenseman Simon Nemec hopes to play a major role with his new club. "It's a new challenge," Nemec said. "That was a good spot for me, for the team. I feel like they need a player like me. I can play a lot of minutes there. I can be part of the future there and be one of the leaders of the team." Nemec moved to Calgary this offseason following a modest three-year run with the New Jersey Devils. He notched a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 68 contests last season, but the former second-overall pick has the potential to make an even bigger impact. Speaking at the European Player Media Tour, Nemec said he wants to earn a spot on the Flames' top power-play unit, which would certainly boost his fantasy production.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is confident he can still improve after his spectacular 2025-26 campaign. The 20-year-old posted a new franchise record with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games, ranking fourth on the NHL's scorers' charts. "I still have a lot of space to grow. I think in my game and off the ice," Celebrini said. "Growing into myself as hopefully a leader for this team. We have a great group of vets that have been amazing and helped guide all of us young guys and gave us the best kind of role models as possible." Celebrini is a special talent, giving San Jose a player to build around. No doubt, he'll also lead many fantasy teams to success next season.