Maple Leafs Linked to $24.1 Million Free Agent Defenseman: Report, Insider.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are positioning themselves as leading contenders in the pursuit of defenseman Brett Pesce, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
When the Hurricanes lost to the New York Rangers in the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Pesce wrapped up a six-year, $24.1 million contract.
Pagnotta revealed on June 6 that the Maple Leafs (as well as the Nashville Predators) may show interest in the blueliner should he become available as an unrestricted free agent. Free agency begins on July 1.
“Going back to Pesce, if he’s available on July 1st, both Nashville and Toronto will be pursuing him,” Pagnotta wrote. “The Predators and Maple Leafs will pursue him if they can, but there will undoubtedly be other suitors.”
The Carolina Hurricanes, mind you, are trying to convince Pesce to sign a deal he already turned down in the summer of 2023, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
“Pesce didn’t seem likely (to extend his contract),” Friedman reported on Friday, May 17. “They kinda told him what they were willing to do last year. I think it was in the (five-year, $5MM per year) range. It didn’t work. I don’t know that it’s changed.”
