The Carolina Hurricanes' season ended agonizingly short of a Game 7 in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Chris Kreider carrying the New York Rangers to the conference finals. Now, they dive into a critical offseason that is expected to pack a great deal of stress for fans and the front office.
First and foremost, the Hurricanes have locked up head coach Rod Brind'Amour to a contract extension, something that should put Raleigh at ease for the time being. The next objective for interim general manager Eric Tulsky is to decide who will be re-signed, and who will be allowed to hit free agency.
There is a growing belief that veteran defenseman Brett Pesce could fall under the latter category, given that talks do not appear to be progressing as hoped with less than a month before free agency begins. Carolina is presently prioritizing fellow blue-liner Jaccob Slavin, so there may not be sufficient funds to pay Pesce the type of deal he desires.
If the 29-year-old has indeed played his last game for the Canes, then there are two teams who are primed to court him on the open market this summer.
“He will be a player both Nashville and Toronto pursue if he’s available July 1,” David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported. “Clearly, there will be other potential suitors, but the Predators and Maple Leafs will go after him if they can. Remember, Nashville tried to trade for him last summer.”
With Jake Guentzel already being shopped as a trade candidate, this latest Brett Pesce update indicates that the Hurricanes could have quite a new look going into the 2024-25 season.
Maple Leafs, Predators could see Pesce as the upgrade they need
Poaching a talent from Carolina's blue line seems like a worthy gambit for both Toronto and Nashville, two teams that are desperate to advance past the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Strengthening their defense might be the best way to change their fate.
The Maple Leafs are constantly lambasted for their lack of physicality and an over-reliance on skill at the expense of toughness. This franchise is in severe need of a new identity after suffering yet another postseason defeat at the hands of the Boston Bruins. Pesce could provide some of the intangibles that new head coach and former champion Craig Berube will want to see on the ice.
The Predators underwent a coaching change of their own last offseason but did not make the jump the organization hoped, losing in the playoffs to the Vancouver Canucks in six games. They could be looking to pounce in free agency and secure a top defenseman to beef up the blue line. Brett Pesce, who tallied three goals, 113 blocks, 25 hits and 35 giveaways in 70 games for the Hurricanes last season, could be a nice supplemental option to bring in as well.
Carolina has had time to work out a contract extension with Pesce, but now the front office–in the midst of a significant makeover— must accept the possibility he could leave for nothing. After nearly a decade with the team, both Pesce and Canes fans will feel plenty of emotions if a split is coming.
Follow Us
Subscribe