The 2024-25 The season is only a few weeks old, but teams have already paid out big money in contract extensions. On Thursday, the Vegas Golden Knights ensured that he became a star defender Shea Theodore I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.
The Golden Knights and Theodore have agreed to a seven-year extension worth nearly $52 million. The deal takes effect at the start of next season and will put Vegas at an annual salary cap hit of $7.425 million through the 2031-32 season.
Theodore was acquired from the Golden Knights in 2017 and quickly became an important part of the blue line in the desert. In his seven-plus seasons with Vegas, Theodore scored 67 goals and 229 assists from defense. During the Golden Knights' run to the Stanley Cup in 2023, Theodore scored a total of 13 points in 21 games while posting a plus-10 goal differential at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Theodore's extension means the Golden Knights have their three best defenders, including Alex Pietrangelo And Noah Hanifinsigned until at least the 2026/27 season. Vegas has a lot of stability at a key position.
While the contracts run through the entire 2024-25 season, you can keep track of the most notable ones here at CBS Sports.
Five more years Jake McCabe in Toronto
Since the takeover by the Maple leaves In 2023, McCabe has provided some stability on Toronto's blue line. The experienced defenseman moves the puck well and can also provide offensive support from time to time. The Leafs have now tied him through the 2028-29 season for an average annual value of $4.51 million.
Theodore is staying in Vegas long-term
The Golden Knights are no strangers to making bold moves, and spending big to retain one of the league's best blue lines is certainly qualified. Theodore was one of the league's most underrated defenders for a while, but starting next season, his salary will reflect his value.
The Blues have signed one of their best young players for the 2026-27 season, and at an affordable price. Neighbors, the No. 26 overall pick in 2020 draft scored 27 goals in 77 games last season. St. Louis is counting on Neighbors to continue to be an important part of its forward group.
Jake Oettinger Signs an eight-year contract extension with Dallas
Oettinger had some struggles in the 2023-24 season, but he really elevated his game in the postseason. According to Natural Stat Trick, Oettinger posted a .913 save percentage in 19 postseason appearances while also saving 4.1 goals above average.
The Senators traded for Ullmark this offseason, and he will receive full-time employment for the first time since being acquired by the Senators Bruins in 2021. Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy in 2023, so he can perform at an elite level, but he will need to do so more often in Ottawa.
Jeremy Swayman finally gets his bag from Boston
It was a contentious offseason between Swayman and the Bruins, with both sides making negotiations public. In the end, Boston and Swayman were finally able to come to an agreement that one of the best young goaltenders will remain in the Bruins jersey for the foreseeable future.
