A physically imposing presence and a pinpoint passer, the Carolina Hurricanes' star defenceman is a target for many teams seeking to beef up their blue line.
The Utah Hockey Club is signing prospects fast and furious in the leadup to camp in Park City a mere 48 hours following the NHL Draft.
One forgets free agency is coming up on Monday, July 1.
And that means plenty of big names will be up for grabs, including a literal big man in 6-foot-3 Brett Pesce.
CapFriendly's profile on Pesce shows his 6-year, $24.2 million extension is up this off-season, and he also has a 15-team no-trade clause included in that contract.
Pesce had a career-high 29 points in 2018-19 as the Canes reached the Eastern Conference Final, where they were swept by the Boston Bruins.
He is most known for his passing ability, as seen by consistently racking up 15 to 20 assists per season, and has been one of the more physical defencemen in the league because of his large frame.
While Utah may not spend up to $4.5 million a year on Pesce as the Hurricanes did, he might still be a great addition to the second or third pairings to give some heft to the lineup.
It also gives Utah some options on their blue line, as well, in a free agency class that is expected to be rife with defence.