Hurricanes Offered Brett Pesce ‘$4M to $5M’ AAV Extension

A big headline all offseason surrounding the Hurricanes was whether or not they would move on from Brett Pesce and/or Brady Skjei. If not, who were they going to extend?

Odds are that they will not keep both around any longer than the 2023-2024 season, but it appears that Don Waddell and the Carolina front office made an effort to lock down Brett Pesce.

In his daily article, NHL analyst David Pagnotta reported that the Hurricanes front office was hoping to extend Pesce this offseason with a deal in the ball park of $4M to $5M AAV.

Pagnotta also stated that Carolina is hoping to get an extension done with the 28-year old defenseman and that Pesce ‘would like to stay’ in Raleigh.

With the cap expected to jump this offseason, there may be a chance for the Hurricanes to extend a more reasonable offer to Pesce and keep him in a Canes sweater.

Brent Burns has just one year remaining in his deal after this season, Brady Skjei would be unlikely to re-sign if Pesce stays in Raleigh, and Dmitry Orlov is signed to just a two year deal.

Not to mention Tony DeAngelo and Jalen Chatfield both becoming free agents this offseason. Pesce certainly is more productive and valuable to Carolina than the two defensemen, but it goes to show that outside of Jaccob Slavin, their blue line is not cemented for the years to come.

Pesce’s deal at six-years, $24.15 comes out to an AAV of $4.025M and with his impact in Raleigh, he likely would seek around the $7M range, depending on the length of the deal.

Whether or not discussions continue as the season progresses remains to be season, but with Pesce’s agent willing to take part in talks, there certainly is a chance the former third round pick does not hit the open market.