The National Hockey League offseason is nearly upon us, with it being days away from the beginning of the Stanley Cup final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, but that hasn't stopped rumours from circulating as to where certain players will be competing come puck drop in the fall during the 2024-2025 season.
One such player who has garnered a ton of interest is defenseman Brett Pesce. Pesce has called Carolina home for the last nine seasons since being drafted by the Hurricanes in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The veteran defenseman, who is an UFA this summer, may move on, and two teams that have reportedly shown the most interest in the veteran of 627 NHL games include the Nashville Predators and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Predators and Maple Leafs could use Pesce's services; however, term and price need to be considered. Adding a player of his pedigree likely won't come cheap, and he and his camp will likely want a long-term deal.
If you remember, Carolina dangled Pesce in trade talks last summer, so although the Hurricanes may resign him, he has likely played his last game as a Hurricane. Unfortunately, this is business, and with the influx of free agents the Hurricanes have, including trying to resign Jake Guentzel, and considering that defensemen Brady Skjei and Tony DeAngelo need to be offered contracts, Pesce should be considered as good as gone.
