Could the Carolina Hurricanes Part Ways with Brett Pesce?

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce can sign a contract extension this summer. If talks fall through, a trade doesn't appear out of the question.

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TSN's Pierre LeBrun last week reported the Carolina Hurricanes are in contract talks with Brett Pesce as he's a year away from UFA eligibility. While they want to sign him to an extension, LeBrun believes the Hurricanes could trade the 28-year-old defenseman this summer if they can't get a deal done.

In his column for the Athletic, LeBrun indicated that Pesce wants to stay in Carolina, but he had recently changed agents. While the contract talks didn't get off on the right footing, the discussions are continuing.

Chosen by Carolina in the third round of the 2013 NHL draft, the 6-foot-3, 206-pound Pesce has spent his entire eight-year NHL career with the Hurricanes. A solid all-around top-four defenseman, he's been a key part of their blueline corps.

LeBrun indicated that teams have been calling the Hurricanes about Pesce. He said the Buffalo Sabres have shown interest as they're in the market for a top-four defenseman. The Sabres have the cap space and the depth in promising young assets to make an enticing trade offer.

TSN's Darren Dreger believes the Edmonton Oilers could be interested but acknowledged the cap-strapped club would have to shed salary to obtain Pesce. However, the Edmonton Journal's David Staples was skeptical, suggesting Carolina's potential asking price (a first-round pick and a good young player) would be too expensive.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby wondered if the Maple Leafs might give the Hurricanes a call. Like the Oilers, the Leafs would have to move out a salary to take on Pesce's contract.

Hornby suggested the Leafs offer up William Nylander. Like Pesce, the 27-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility and would play a larger role with the Hurricanes.