Devils Agree to Six-Year Deal with Defenseman Brett Pesce

The rumors are true. The New Jersey Devils agreed to terms with now-former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman, Brett Pesce via free agency. Pesce’s deal with the Devils is a six-year deal worth $5.5 million.

The Tarrytown, New York native is entering his age-30 season, turning the big 3-0 on November 15th. Standing at 6-foot-3, 203 lbs, Pesce fits the mold for this summer as General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has clearly prioritized big-bodied players who can skate well.

Pesce spent his entire nine-year career thus far in the Hurricanes organization, skating in 627 games, and collecting 39 goals and 198 points along the way. In the playoffs, Pesce has 57 Stanley Cup Playoff games under his belt, scoring five goals and 21 points in five postseason runs in Carolina.

The right-shot defenseman saw a dip in his production last season, scoring three goals and 13 points in 70 games, one year after he scored five goals and 30 points.

On day two of the 2024 NHL Draft, the Devils traded John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for a second-round pick which turned into prospect goaltender, Mikhail Yegorov, seemingly in order to clear room for Pesce’s arrival.

Pesce’s play is described as a two-way top-four defenseman who defends the rush well, kills penalties, and shuts down passing lanes. The former Hurricanes defenseman’s most common linemate last season was Brady Skjei, therefore, Luke Hughes is an intriguing option to skate alongside Pesce.

The Devils’ blueline is going to look quite different next year as Marino, Kevin Bahl (Jacob Markstrom trade), and Brendan Smith (free agent) are all out, with Pesce coming in — as well as Jonathan Kovacevic, and Nick DeSimone inking a one-year, one-way contract. Perhaps, another body is New Jersey-bound via free-agency too.