Toronto Maple Leafs expected to miss out on free agent defenseman Brett Pesce
The Toronto Maple Leafs are now expected to miss out in NHL free agency for the signing of Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce, according to a new report.
According to Dan Powers of the 'Empty Netters' hockey podcast, the Leafs are expected to lose out on the potential FA target to former Head Coach Sheldon Keefe and the New Jersey Devils.
Devils beat writer Alex Chauvancy confirmed that he has heard similar reports linking Pesce to a deal with New Jersey.
Toronto, looking to fix their defensive depth in free agency, with the expectation being that Toronto will be looking to bring in multiple veteran options as everyday players, Pesce appears to be one name likely scratched off the list of targets for the Leafs.
The Leafs will likely still be active in the trade market despite this apparent setback, linked to some of the top defenseman likely available, including Nikita Zadorov & Brandon Montour.
Pesce, 29, has spent nine seasons, his entire NHL career, with the Carolina Hurricanes, drafted by Carolina in the third round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, 66th overall.
Last season, Pesce had 3 goals and 13 points in 70 games for the Hurricanes. In his career, Pesce had 39 goals, 159 assists & 198 points in 627 career NHL games.
Source - Maple Leafs Daily
Latest Brett Pesce update bad news for the Maple Leafs
| POLL | ||
Did the Toronto Maple Leafs make a mistake not pursuing defenseman Brett Pesce? | ||
| Yes | 319 | 51.9 % |
| No | 296 | 48.1 % |
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