Brett Pesce, Carolina Hurricanes
It would be tough to see the Hurricanes re-signing both Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce and since the latter was part of numerous trade rumors in 2023, he’s the likelier of the two to be available this summer. One major downer with Pesce is his drop-off in production, in which he contributed just 13 points and three goals this season, the lowest total of his career.
But Pesce has also never put up outstanding production offensively, so this shouldn’t be a major concern. Plus, the Wings need help when they don’t have the puck. So unless their high-scoring ways drop next season, they should have no problem bringing in a blueliner not known for logging goals and assists.
Pesce also ended the regular season with 113 blocks, his highest since 2018-19, though his number of takeaways declined from 60 to 35. He was also on the ice at even strength for more goals for than allowed, and the 53 goals against was also 11 fewer than last season.
Although Pesce’s productivity fell when the Hurricanes had the puck, his Corsi For percentage at even strength ended with a career-high of 58.1. This implies Pesce was still a significant reason behind the Hurricanes not only receiving a high number of chances in the offensive zone but also why they finished seventh this season in goals for.
He was surely responsible for driving a few of those plays and creating chances, and that would give him some incredible value in Detroit.