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Buffalo Could Move On Pesce If Canes Don’t Get It Done!

By Chris Baker

May 3, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (22) celebrates his goal with defenseman Brady Skjei (76) against the New Jersey Devils during the first period in game one of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (22) celebrates his goal with defenseman Brady Skjei (76) against the New Jersey Devils during the first period in game one of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brett Pesce had a very solid season with the Carolina Hurricanes. Very solid. But if the Canes can not get from point A to B with Pesce on a contract extension, look for the Buffalo Sabres to make a move on him.

I would rather Pesce stay in Raleigh AND remain next to Brady Skjei so lets hope the Hurricanes aren’t in the mood to play the “Mess Around and Find Out” game.

Still, there are worse places than the Nickel City with the Sabres for Pesce.

Pesce made it to the ice in all 82 games with the Canes this season. Ranked 13th on the team, he amassed 30 points, which is a career high over 8 seasons.

However, if the Sabres make a move on Pesce, it will be for his defense.  A  blue-liner like Pesce would represent a much needed commodity on a squad that struggled with defensively. Most attractive for Buffalo are Pesce’s 60 takeaways to just 26 giveaways. His 110 blocks cannot look bad either.

With Pesce on the ice at even strength, Carolina saw a 90.5% on-ice save percentage and a 91.3% when he was on the ice at 5-on-5.

Apr 8, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) takes a shot on goal during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) takes a shot on goal during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Paired with an emerging Owen Power, Pesce could be a part of a dangerous tandem for the Sabres, and just what Buffalo needs to complete their defensive unit.

Power had a very similar season to Pesce’s linemate Brady Skjei, and Power is signed with the Sabres for the foreseeable future. With Pesce next to him, that line could mature and get better with time.

Buffalo can only move on Pesce, though, if the Hurricanes cannot make a deal to keep him in Raleigh. Pesce is rumored to want a long term deal that would keep him in Carolina.

And the Canes can definitely use Pesce.

Carolina’s defense is as good a unit as any in the league. With some minor adjustments, it could be even better. A very big part of that squad is Brett Pesce, so we can certainly hope that a deal is reached and the Sabres are left seeking the services of another top-tier defenseman.

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