Brett Pesce emerges as top target for the Toronto Maple Leafs

PUBLICATION

Graham Montgomery
June 6, 2024 (7:52 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to add to their blueline this summer and they may have found a top-four piece in Brett Pesce.

The 29-year-old defenseman is an unrestricted free agent after competing his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes this year. It was a down year for the defenseman in terms of offense, but he's always been known more for his shut-down play anyways. He got into just two playoff games with the Hurricanes this year as he suffered an injury that he could not play through. According to David Pagnotta, multiple teams are reportedly ready to give Pesce the bag this summer, including the Maple Leafs.

The Leafs and Predators are expected to be leading favorites in the race for Brett Pesce this summer.

It was reported that he was offered a deal around 5x5 earlier this year but declined. So, it's expected he'll get slightly more than what was offered.

[via: @TheFourthPeriod]

#leafsforever

While that offense may have dried up a bit this season, Pesce was still a legitimate top-four defender this season and was particularly effective at shutting down opposing rushes. This is one of the most important parts of defending at the NHL level, making the 29-year-old highly sought after.

Brett Pesce is fine. I don't really get the hate I've been seeing. Solid top four defenceman, great rush defender, and the Hurricanes give up basically no passes into the slot when he's on the ice. Some bad on-ice goaltending I guess? #CauseChaos

Pesce has indicated that he would like to re-sign with the Hurricanes during his end-of-season exit interview. However, it is not clear if the team can actually afford to keep him. He is expected to have an AAV of more than 5 million dollars on his next deal, and the Hurricanes have just 26 million dollars in cap space with players like Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis also due extensions. Furthermore, the team has just three proven NHL defensemen signed for next season.

«I hope we can work something out.» Brett Pesce on being an unrestricted free agent with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Pesce said his injury was a fractured fibula that didn't require surgery.

Those factors could very well open the door for the Leafs to swoop in and sign Pesce. Perhaps most importantly, he is right handed which fits the team's needs perfectly. Be sure to keep a close eye on Pesce this summer as the Leafs look to add him to their squad.

Source: DailyHockeyDose
Maple Leafs Among Top Suitors for star defenseman Brett Pesce