Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube
The Toronto Maple Leafs are emerging as serious contenders in the chase for defenseman Brett Pesce, as reported by NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
Pesce wrapped up a six-year, $24.1 million contract when the Hurricanes were eliminated by the New York Rangers in the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.
With free agency beginning on July 1, Pagnotta noted on June 6 that both the Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators are eyeing Pesce if he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
“Turning back to Pesce, both Nashville and Toronto will be in the mix if he hits the market on July 1,” Pagnotta stated. “While other teams will likely show interest, the Predators and Maple Leafs are expected to make a strong push.”
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are trying to persuade Pesce to accept a contract he previously rejected in the summer of 2023, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
“Pesce didn’t seem inclined to extend his contract,” Friedman reported on May 17. “They offered him a deal last year, thought to be around five years at $5 million per year, but it didn’t pan out. There’s no indication that’s changed.”
Carolina is undergoing significant changes, starting with the resignation of General Manager Don Waddell on May 24, adding uncertainty about the team’s direction with free agency looming.
“Carolina is exploring options if they fail to re-sign either Pesce or Brady Skjei,” Pagnotta reported.
According to Spotrac, the Hurricanes could see up to five players, all earning between $3 million and $6 million, depart in free agency.
Among those players, Martin Necas, who has attracted interest from the Montreal Canadiens, is the only restricted free agent. The others, including Teuvo Teravainen, Jake Guentzel, Skjei, and Pesce, are unrestricted free agents.
Brett Pesce’s Potential Fit With Maple Leafs
Pesce has been a dependable defenseman for nearly a decade, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game for eight consecutive seasons. As a rookie in 2016, he averaged 18:46 in 69 games.
Despite a dip in offensive output in 2024, with only 3 goals and 13 points in 70 games, Pesce’s career stats reflect a consistent 25-plus point contributor each season.
At 29, Pesce is in his prime and would be an ideal partner for Morgan Rielly on Toronto’s top defensive pair.
This move seems even more likely with Ilya Lyubushkin expected to explore free agency in July 2024, leaving a vacancy in the Leafs’ top defensive line.
The Maple Leafs are targeting top defensemen in this summer’s free-agent market, focusing on right-handed shots like Pesce.
Pesce’s Contract Details & Leafs’ Cap Considerations
Evolving Hockey predicts Pesce will sign a six-year deal with an average annual value of $5.5 million on the open market in July. This would exceed the offer Carolina made, as reported by Friedman.
Toronto enters the offseason with significant salary cap flexibility and could easily accommodate such a deal for Pesce.
PuckPedia lists the Leafs with $19.3 million in cap space, ample room to sign Pesce.
The Leafs currently have 14 of the required 23 players under contract on the active roster and 34 of 50 under standard contracts within the organization.
A priority for the Leafs this summer is re-signing key UFAs Tyler Bertuzzi ($5.5 million in 2024) and Max Domi ($3 million), along with deciding the future of superstar winger Mitch Marner.
