A eight-year deal for Jackson LaCombe anchors Anaheim’s blue line through the mid 2020s, backing a young core that already produced 43 points in 75 games last season. The Ducks are betting on his two-way game and continued development to fuel a competitive rise in Orange County.

With Mason McTavish locking in a six-year extension and Seattle looming as the opening opponent, Anaheim signals long-term commitment to a fast-rising nucleus. Pat Verbeek emphasized building from the back, setting a roadmap for a durable, defense-first foundation that can spark sustained offensive growth.

LaCombe signed an eight-year, $72 million extension with the Ducks at 9 million AAV, the largest in franchise history, starting in 2026-27. The deal cements him as a cornerstone on Anaheim’s blue line alongside Radko Gudas as the team rebuilds toward a playoff push.

McTavish followed with a six-year, $42 million extension, and LaCombe’s 60 points in 148 games last season—paired with Gudas—boost his fantasy ceiling. With Worlds gold in 2025 and Olympic potential for 2026, LaCombe projects as a top-four anchor and PP option as Anaheim targets a postseason return.

Luke Hughes signed a seven-year, $63 million extension with the New Jersey Devils, carrying a $9 million cap hit through 2031-32—$1 million more per season than his brother Jack. The deal comes as Hughes, one of the last unsigned RFAs, sat out camp during negotiations.

With the extension, Hughes becomes a cornerstone on NJD’s blue line, a prime fantasy target for top-pair minutes and power-play ice time in a deep lineup. The market for young talent, including McTavish and Evangelista, remains hot, underscoring the value of securing impact players early.

Six-year contract for Mason McTavish keeps a rising star in Anaheim, as he flashed 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games last season. The deal underscores trust in his two-way, scoring upside and anchors the Ducks’ long-term plan as training camp looms under Quenneville’s pace-focused system. Anaheim eyes a playoff push with McTavish central to the core, opening the season Oct. 9 in Seattle after a preseason date with the Kings, with Verbeek stressing conditioning and development.