One of the biggest defensive pieces on the open market is gone early on Monday as New Jersey has signed nine-year veteran Brett Pesce to a six-year deal worth $33.0 million ($5.5M AAV). The 29-year-old has spent his entire career with Carolina and had three goals, 13 points and a +10 plus/minus in 70 games played last year.
Brown did not do much in his first regular season with the Oilers, posting just four goals and eight assists (12 points) in 71 games. However, he was much more noticeable during their run to the Stanley Cup Final, posting two goals and four assists (six points) in 19 playoff games. Expect him to be used in the bottom-6 and on the PK again in 2024-25.
Kovacevic is a solid two-way defenseman and penalty-killer who appeared in 62 games with the Canadiens last season. With the Devils reportedly interested in signing a couple free agent defensemen, Kovacevic could end up serving as the No.7 entering the season.
Kolyachonok had a goal and four points in five total games played in 2023-24 with Arizona and signed a two-year contract extension on Monday. The 23-year-old was originally drafted by Florida in 2019 in the 2nd round (52nd overall) and has seven points in 39 total NHL games played across three seasons.
Pesce was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and Thursday's morning skate but skated as an "extra," and is not yet ready for game action as he will sit out Game 6 on Thursday. The 29-year-old has only been able to compete in two playoff games so far this year and has an assist, one SOG, two PIMs and a +1 plus/minus.
Rittich excelled in his first season in Los Angeles, finishing with his most wins (13) since 2019-20 and career highs in both SV% (.921 SV%) and GAA (2.15) and has signed a one-year, $1 million contract extension with Los Angeles. The 31-year-old is entering his ninth NHL season and has a career record of 92-57-24, 2.78 GAA and .906 SV% with five separate franchises.
Pesce was a full participant in Wednesday's practice but skated as an "extra," which suggests that he won't be available for Game 6 on Thursday. Monitor his status during Thursday's morning skate to get a concrete answer on his availability.
With Adam Henrique missing his second game of the playoffs due to injury, Connor Brown will draw back into the Oilers' lineup on Sunday for Game 3 vs. Vancouver. The 30-year-old right-winger made his Oilers' playoff debut in Game 1 of their second series and failed to pick up a point while also grabbing two PIMs in 7:35 TOI.
Brown will make his Oilers' playoff debut on Wednesday as he draws back into the lineup for the injured Adam Henrique (lower body) for Game 1 vs. Vancouver. The 30-year-old right-winger struggled mightily in his first season in Edmonton, with only four goals, eight assists, 108 SOG, 10 PIMs and -8 plus/minus in 71 games played. He is expected to take a fourth-line role on Wednesday.
Boqvist missed Game 1 due to an undisclosed injury but will draw back into the lineup on Wednesday for Game 2 as he replaces Patrick Brown. The 25-year-old has appeared in seven games so far for the Bruins, picking up an assist and four SOG while averaging 9:28 TOI.
Malek was New Jersey's 2021 fourth-round pick (100th overall) and signed a two-year, entry-level contract on Monday. The 22-year-old goaltender is coming off his second season with Ilves (Liiga), where he posted an impressive 16-4-5 record, 2.32 GAA and .915 SV%.
Boqvist appeared in all seven of Boston's opening series games vs. Toronto but appears to be a healthy scratch for Game 1 on Monday in Florida. The 25-year-old averaged 9:28 TOI in the opening round and had an assist, four SOG and a +1 plus/minus. He is expected to be replaced by Patrick Brown.
Casey was New Jersey's 2022 fourth-round pick (46th overall) and signed a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday worth $2.85 million ($950,000AAV). The 20-year-old defenseman just finished his Sophmore campaign with the University of Michigan (NCAA), and had seven goals and 45 points in 40 games played.
Pesce has been out since Game 2 due to a lower-body injury and will miss at least the first two games of Carolina's Round 2 series vs. New York. The 29-year-old picked up an assist, one SOG, two PIMs and a +1 plus/minus through his two games played prior to his injury.
Pesce recently removed his walking boot but his status for Round 2 is still uncertain. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said the team remains hopeful that he'll play at some point vs. the Rangers. Look for Tony DeAngelo to remain his replacement in Game 1.
