ALEX TUCH

Over a five-day period last month, the Vegas Golden Knights locked up a pair of talented players for the foreseeable future in forward Alex Tuch and defenseman Nate Schmidt.

On Oct. 19, the 22-year-old Tuch signed a seven-year contract extension through the 2025-26 season and then on Oct. 24, Vegas signed Schmidt to a six-year contract extension through the 2024-25 season.

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“Honestly, it’s a big moment for my family and I,” Tuch told the Golden Knights website. “I’ve worked really hard to get to this moment. Now it’s all about the Golden Knights and being a part of this great franchise for a really long time. This is where I started my full-time NHL career and seven years is really special and honestly, I’m just really grateful.”

NATE SCHMIDT

Tuch had 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 78 games during the 2017-18 regular season. He appeared in all 20 games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording 10 points (six goals, four points).

Schmidt, 27, registered 36 points (five goals, 31 assists) in 76 games last season and also played in all 20 games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording seven points (three goals, four assists).

“He is the kind of defenseman that every team in this league is looking for now,” Vegas general manager George McPhee said to the Associated Press. “He is unique, excellent defensively and has become a shutdown defenseman for us playing against the other clubs’ top players. But he also brings a lot of pace to the game and he brings offense.”

In addition, Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore signed a seven-year extension in late September that runs through the 2024-25 season.

— Matt Mackinder

(Nov. 21, 2018)