Hurricanes Defenseman in Free Agency Is Being Seeked After by Predators
Coming into the summer, the Carolina Hurricanes have a long roster of free agents. Notable names appear on the list, which includes both restricted and unrestricted free agents (RFA and UFA). Important decisions will be made, and some of the names involved may end up on the market. The Hurricanes have the league’s most stacked blue line. One reason they’ve been so successful is that the position has plenty of depth. Brett Pesce is an important cog in the blue line’s wheel. Playing mostly with Brady Skjei, who is about to become a free agent, Pesce helped stabilize the second pairing. Pesce is attracting interest from a handful of teams, and both players are due new contracts.
If he is available on July 1st, the Toronto Maple Leafs will reportedly make a move for him, according to Pagnotta. His other suitors include the Nashville Predators, who had shown interest in him in the past. Rumors about the Predators in the NHL have recently shifted away from goaltender Juuse Saros. Rather, it’s a player they’ve had their eye on in the past. Attempts by the Predators to acquire Pesce in a trade during the 2022–23 summer fell through. Now that he’s a free agent, securing his services would be a tremendous coup, and he’s perfect for the job.
The salary cap is there for the taking, so the Predators can give Pesce the boost he deserves. Pesce can now play in Barry Trotz’s lineup because the Lightning traded for Ryan McDonagh. With a partner like Roman Josi, Pesce would sound great. Pesce is a wonderful match for Andrew Brunette’s playing style. He can help out offensively and defensively, and he blocks shots. In addition to the Predators’ already impressive depth at the position, he would provide a significant offensive threat. Where Pesce takes his skills is anyone’s guess, although he could end himself back in the South.
