B According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Toronto Maple Leafs are establishing themselves as strong competitors for defenseman Brett Pesce. When the Hurricanes were eliminated from the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs in the second round by the New York Rangers, Pesce had completed a six-year, $24.1 million contract. With free agency beginning on July 1, Pagnotta stated on June 6 that the Maple Leafs (and the Nashville Predators) are interested in the blueliner if he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
“Circling back to Pesce, he will be a player both Nashville and Toronto pursue if he’s available July 1,” Pagnotta stated. “Clearly, there will be other potential suitors, but the Predators and Maple Leafs will go after him if they can.”
The Carolina Hurricanes, however, are attempting to persuade Pesce to take a contract he previously turned down in the summer of 2023, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. “Pesce didn’t seem likely (to extend his contract),” Friedman wrote on Friday, May 17. “They basically told him what they were willing to do last year.” I believe it was in the five-year, $5 million per year range. It did not work. I’m not sure if it has changed.”
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