Brett Pesce Bio
Brett Alex Pesce is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a defenseman for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Originally from Tarrytown, New York, Pesce was selected 66th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2013 NHL entry draft. Since making his professional debut in 2015, Pesce has established himself as a reliable two-way defenseman known for his solid defensive play, physical presence, and consistent contributions on the blueline. His journey from the college ranks at the University of New Hampshire to becoming a steady NHL performer spans nearly a decade of professional hockey.
Early Life and Background
Brett Pesce was born on November 15, 1994, in Tarrytown, New York. He grew up in the New York area and attended Irvington High School, where he played varsity hockey as part of a joint Irvington-Sleepy Hollow program. Pesce excelled academically and athletically during his high school years, graduating in June 2012. His early development in hockey included playing amateur youth hockey within New Jersey, where he refined his skills against competitive peers in the region.
Following his high school career, Pesce advanced his hockey development by playing for the New Jersey Hitmen of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL). The EJHL provided him with a competitive platform to showcase his abilities against top junior prospects from across the northeastern United States. His strong performance with the Hitmen helped attract attention from college programs seeking talented defensemen.
Path to Professional Hockey
After his junior hockey tenure, Pesce committed to play collegiate ice hockey at the University of New Hampshire, joining the Wildcats in the Hockey East conference. He made an immediate impact during his freshman season with the program, demonstrating the defensive awareness and skating ability that would define his collegiate career. His smooth transition to the college game highlighted his readiness for higher levels of competition.
Prior to his sophomore season in 2013-14, Pesce was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round of the 2013 NHL entry draft, chosen 66th overall. The Hurricanes identified him as a promising defensive prospect with the potential to develop into a reliable NHL blueliner. During his sophomore season, Pesce set personal bests with seven goals and 21 points in 41 games, showcasing his developing offensive instincts from the back end.
In his junior season, Pesce continued to establish himself as one of the top defensemen in the Hockey East conference. He ranked second among Wildcats defensemen in scoring with 16 points in 31 games, demonstrating consistency and reliability on the blueline. After playing 109 games total across three seasons with New Hampshire, Pesce made the decision to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility and pursue professional hockey.
Brett Pesce Career
Carolina Hurricanes Era (2015-2024)
Pesce signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on March 27, 2015, officially beginning his professional hockey journey. To conclude the 2014-15 season, he joined the Hurricanes’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, on an amateur try-out contract. He made his professional debut on April 2, 2015, against the Oklahoma City Barons and appeared in the Checkers’ final four home games of the regular season.
Following training camp with the Hurricanes in the fall of 2015, Pesce was initially assigned to the Checkers to begin his rookie season. His strong play earned him his first NHL recall on October 14, 2015, though he served as a healthy scratch in his initial stint. After being returned to Charlotte, Pesce received a second recall and made his NHL debut on October 24, 2015, in a 5-2 loss against the San Jose Sharks. He scored his first NHL goal on November 22, contributing a goal and an assist to help the Hurricanes secure a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
Over subsequent seasons with Carolina, Pesce gradually solidified his role within the Hurricanes’ defensive core. He evolved into a trusted top-four defenseman capable of logging significant minutes in all situations. During the 2019-20 season, Pesce posted four goals and 18 points in 61 games while assuming a prominent role on the blueline. His progress was interrupted on February 22, 2020, when he suffered a right shoulder injury against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The injury required season-ending surgery, ending his campaign prematurely and forcing him to miss the Hurricanes’ playoff run.
New Jersey Devils Era (2024-Present)
After nine seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes organization, Pesce entered the 2024 offseason as an unrestricted free agent. On July 1, 2024, he signed a six-year, $33 million contract with the New Jersey Devils, joining his new team on a long-term basis. The deal represented a significant commitment from the Devils, signaling their intent to strengthen their defensive corps with an experienced, reliable veteran blueliner. The contract runs through the 2029-30 season.
Pesce’s addition provided the Devils with a steady, experienced defenseman capable of playing heavy minutes and matching up against opposing top lines. His right-handed shot and physical style of play offered balance to the Devils’ defensive unit. As he enters the 2025 season with his new organization, Pesce aims to help New Jersey compete for playoff positioning in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Pesce is recognized for his sound defensive positioning, strong skating ability, and physical presence along the blueline. At 6 feet 3 inches and 200 pounds, he uses his size effectively to win board battles, block shots, and separate opponents from the puck. His right-handed shot provides value on the power play and in defensive zone coverage. Pesce’s hockey intelligence allows him to read plays effectively and make quick decisions with the puck, contributing to transitional play from the defensive zone.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several significant moments have defined Pesce’s career trajectory. His NHL debut against the San Jose Sharks marked the beginning of his professional career at the highest level. Scoring his first NHL goal against the Los Angeles Kings provided an early highlight. The shoulder injury in February 2020 represented a major setback, but his recovery and return to play demonstrated his resilience. His signing with the New Jersey Devils in July 2024 marked a new chapter, as he joined a young, ascending team with aspirations of consistent playoff contention.
Brett Pesce Career Statistics
Across his NHL career spanning multiple seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils, Pesce has established himself as a dependable top-four defenseman. His career totals reflect consistent contributions in both ends of the rink, with particular strength in defensive zone coverage and physical play.
Professional Career Highlights
Pesce’s professional career includes over 500 NHL games played, with the majority coming during his tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes. His best offensive season came during the 2019-20 campaign before the injury cut it short. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to play in all situations, including the penalty kill and power play. His durability and reliability have been hallmarks of his professional performance.
College and Junior Career
Prior to turning professional, Pesce built an impressive resume at the University of New Hampshire, where he played 109 games across three seasons. His collegiate career included a sophomore season in which he recorded seven goals and 21 points, both career highs during his time with the Wildcats. His junior season production of 16 points in 31 games ranked him second among team defensemen, demonstrating his consistency and value to the program. His junior hockey career with the New Jersey Hitmen in the EJHL served as a critical stepping stone toward his college and professional opportunities.
Brett Pesce Family
Family Background
Brett Pesce comes from an athletic family background rooted in the New York area. He is of Italian descent, which has been noted as part of his heritage. His family provided support throughout his development as a hockey player, helping him navigate the challenges of pursuing a career in professional athletics from a young age.
Personal Life
Beyond his hockey career, Pesce has maintained connections to his New York roots while building his professional career. He completed his high school education at Irvington High School in New York before pursuing collegiate hockey. His education at the University of New Hampshire provided him with academic foundation alongside his athletic development. Pesce continues to maintain an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. He resides in the New Jersey area while playing for the Devils, though detailed information about his personal household is kept private.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks the first full campaign for Pesce with the New Jersey Devils following his July 2024 signing. Entering his second decade of professional hockey, Pesce brings veteran experience to a Devils team looking to establish itself as a consistent contender in the Eastern Conference. His role with the team includes heavy minutes against top opposing forwards and leadership in the defensive zone.
Following a full training camp and preseason with his new organization, Pesce has had the opportunity to develop chemistry with his defensive partners and adapt to the Devils’ systems and coaching staff. The transition to a new team presents both challenges and opportunities, and Pesce’s professionalism and experience have helped him navigate the adjustment smoothly. The Devils’ defensive corps benefits from his steady presence and ability to log challenging minutes.
The outlook for Pesce and the Devils in 2025 centers on building upon the foundation established in previous seasons. With a talented young core led by established stars, New Jersey has aspirations of qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and advancing deep into the postseason. Pesce’s reliability and experience provide stability on the back end, allowing the team to deploy him in critical situations throughout the season. His contract through 2030 demonstrates the organization’s belief in his long-term value to the franchise.