Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens preview the Carolina Hurricanes' 2023-24 season. Brett Pesce [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwOTMzMjEzMjYxMDE0NDAy/usatsi_19253067_168400847_lowres.jpg] Brett Pesce Several players who were frequent topics of trade rumors during the NHL off-season appear to be sticking with their current clubs for the coming season. The Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele as well as the Calgary Flames' Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin are among the notables staying put for now. The same can also be said of Brett Pesce. Like Hellebuyck, Scheifele, Lindholm and Hanifin, the 28-year-old Carolina Hurricanes defenseman is slated to become a UFA next July. It was assumed [https://thehockeynews.com/news/speculation-grows-over-brett-pesces-future-with-the-carolina-hurricanes] Pesce would be traded if he and the Hurricanes failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension before the regular season began. So far, there's no indication he will be moved. Pesce carries a $4.025-million salary cap hit for this season, along with a 15-team no-trade clause. He could seek around $7 million annually on a long-term contract. The Raleigh News & Observer's Luke DeCock [https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/luke-decock/article279280854.html] believes the Hurricanes won't be able to retain Pesce and his fellow UFA teammates Brady Skjei and Teuvo Teravainen if they haven't re-signed by the end of this season. They risk losing those players to free agency instead of moving them for assets at the March 8 trade deadline. Hurricanes GM Don Waddell is taking a wait-and-see approach to this season with those players. DeCock suggested that the potential costs of failing to re-sign them are outweighed by the competitive benefits. Pesce could still be moved by the trade deadline if the Hurricanes struggle in the standings or feel the need to address a glaring roster need. However, they'll likely hang onto the veteran blueliner as his presence could prove crucial in their quest to win the Stanley Cup next spring.
