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Greg Wyshynski, ESPNJul 1, 2024, 11:56 AM ET
CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.
The New Jersey Devils are bolstering their back end with a pair of veteran defensemen as NHL free agency opens.
The Devils are expected to sign Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce and Winnipeg Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon, sources told ESPN on Monday.
Pesce, 29, was one of the most coveted defensive defensemen on the open market, but one who has pitched in offensively in the past. He’s expected to sign a six-year deal worth $5.5 million annually against the salary cap. His previous deal with the Hurricanes carried a $4.025 million cap hit.
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A native of Tarrytown, New York, Pesce finished with 13 points in 70 games last season averaging 20:17 in average ice time.
Dillon, 33, is a 6-foot-4 physical defenseman will be entering his 14th NHL season. He’s previously played for the Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals and the Jets for the last three seasons.
Terms on his deal were not yet available. Dillon would seem to fill the hole created on the back end when the Devils traded defenseman Kevin Bahl to the Calgary Flames for goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Pesce and Dillon join outstanding young defensemen in Calder finalist Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec as well as veterans Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler. They’ll play in front of a revamped goaltending tandem in Markstrom and goalie Jake Allen for new head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/40474096/sources-devils-expected-sign-brett-pesce-brenden-dillon
Author : Greg Wyshynski
Publish date : 2024-07-01 17:08:42
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