The Edmonton Oilers have the assets to bring in Brett Pesce.
The Edmonton Oilers have the assets to bring in Brett Pesce.
The Edmonton Oilers have been heavily linked to Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce this summer. It is understandable, as they could use a serious boost on their right side. Furthermore, Carolina is open to moving him because of his expiring deal.
Although the idea of adding Pesce is nice, what would it cost the Oilers to acquire him? Let's discuss three potential assets that they would need to part ways with.
2024 1st Round Pick
The Hurricanes will likely want the Oilers' 2024 first-round pick as one of the pieces back for Pesce. After all, he is a reliable top-four defenseman who several teams would love to grab.
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With the Oilers in win-now mode, they are in a position to give up a first if it means adding a high-impact defenseman like Pesce.
Cody Ceci
From a financial standpoint, Cody Ceci would likely need to be included in this trade package. The 29-year-old carries a $3.25 million cap hit until the end of the 2024-25 season. Moving Ceci's salary would make it easier for the Oilers to take on Pesce's $4.025 million cap hit.
Ceci would also provide the Hurricanes with a right-shot defenseman who can play top-four minutes. With that, he would be a decent addition to their penalty kill if acquired.
Carter Savoie
One prospect who could be added to this deal is Carter Savoie. The 21-year-old is viewed as having a good amount of potential and could develop into a solid middle-six forward for the Hurricanes if acquired.
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After posting a 45-point campaign in 39 games with the University of Denver in 2021-22, Savoie struggled this past season with the Bakersfield Condors, posting 11 points in 44 games. Injury trouble and limited minutes can be blamed for his low production, but the potential for him to become an impactful NHL player is still there. Perhaps a move to Carolina could be the jolt he needs to take that next step.
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Along with these assets, the Oilers would likely need to part ways with their 2025 third-round pick and 2024 fourth-round pick. This is because the Hurricanes would need to retain some of Pesce's salary, given Edmonton's limited cap space.
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