Devils Rumors: New Jersey to Sign Brett Pesce to Five-Year Deal

The New Jersey Devils wanted to become tougher to play against and they wanted to shore up their defense core and in one swooping move, have done both. The team is expected to sign free-agent defenseman Brett Pesce to a long-term contract on Monday.

Hearing Brett Pesce to the Devils is a done deal and will be announced as the FA period opens

Deal expected to be 5x6.125AAV#NJDevils
— Lucas Nola (@lucasnola1) July 1, 2024

The deal is reportedly worth $6.1 million over five years and gives the Devils another right-handed defenseman who can play top four minutes. Pesce is likely to slot in behind Dougie Hamilton, however there's also a chance Hamilton slides over the left side and the two can play together.

Pesce spent the past nine seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes where he made his NHL debut back in 2015-16. In 627 career games in the 'Canes, the New York native recorded 39 goals and 198 points. He's also appeared in 57 Stanley Cup Playoff games, chipping in with 21 points.

Brett Pesce will sign with New Jersey today. Details are not confirmed yet, but it sounds like it's for 5 years with an AAV of $~6.125M. And I wouldn't like this contract to be honest. I believe Pesce will be good for two, maybe even three years. But then? I'm not sure. pic.twitter.com/lZwyfTNWNc
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) July 1, 2024

Once the Hurricanes were out on Pesce, it become quickly clear he was headed to the Devils, a team he followed as a youth. Pesce is going to be missed in Carolina as the Hurricanes are going to look much different next season. Free agency isn't even a day old and the team has already lost Jake Guentzel and Pesce from last season's team.