Report: Pesce to join Devils on 6-year pact

The New Jersey Devils are set to sign free-agent defenseman Brett Pesce to a six-year contract that carries an average annual value in the $5.5-million range, according to The Athletic's Chris Johnston.

Pesce was one of the most coveted blue-liners on the open market this summer. The 29-year-old is known for a sturdy defensive game and gives the Devils a dependable top-four option on the right side.

Pesce has spent the past nine years with the Carolina Hurricanes. He managed 13 points in 70 games in 2023-24 and has averaged more than 20 minutes per contest in all but his rookie season.

The Devils have reworked their blue line early in the offseason, dealing John Marino to Utah while acquiring Johnathan Kovacevic from the Montreal Canadiens.

New Jersey also acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom in June and hired Sheldon Keefe as its new head coach.

The Devils entered the signing period with approximately $19 million available to spend, per CapFriendly.

Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.