Fedor Svechkov

Nashville inks their 2021 first-rounder Fedor Svechkov to a two-year, $2.5 million extension just as he hits a career-high in assists during his second full NHL season. The 22-year-old center has carved out a steady fourth-line role with solid possession numbers and recent lineup security after the Preds flipped McCarron and Smith at the deadline. Scouts always loved his two-way smarts from Togliatti, and this deal buys time for him to crack the top six before RFA status looms large.

Nashville hands Fedor Svechkov a two-year, $2.5 million pact, securing the forward who's turned heads in their system. This deal bridges his development to potential top-six minutes as the Predators push for another deep run. GM David Poile's successor eyes cost-controlled pieces like this to keep the core humming without breaking the bank.