3 options for New Jersey Devils defense when Brett Pesce returns

Defenseman Brett Pesce previously missed the start of Fall Camp due to offseason surgery — with the New Jersey Devils not rushing him into season.

He suffered a fractured fibula last season and spent all summer rehabbing his injury. Even such, in July of 2024 the Devils signed a six-year deal with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

Meaning they are clearly content with being patient until he is back to on-ice health.

“With Brett, we all knew prior to signing him that he had season-ending surgery with Carolina,” general manager Tom Fitzgerald said mid-September. “He’s made great progress since he’s been in town. Our medical staff has done an incredible job with him. Everything looks great. It’s just a comfort with the skate, getting your agility and working on those muscles.”

But, with the season already underway, let's take a look at how the Devils can adjust the blueline once players start to get healthy.

1. Nemec Going to the AHL

If and when Pesce returns, he must take somebody's spot. And that would likely be fellow defenseman Simon Nemec. And should he replace Nemec, the Slovakia native could always build his stock back up with the AHL's Utica Comets.

There's no reason gaining some skills back with the Comets until he's ready again for the NHL shouldn't be a viable option for him.

Utica did not qualify for playoffs for the 2023-24 season but advanced to the second round in the year previously.

2. Playing the Matchups

There is of course the option that everyone hopes for, the Pesce makes a full recovery with all of his strength back and is able to return to the ice for the Devils.

This, of course, means he would have to face off against regular NHL matchups. But if there's anyone who could do it, it would be him. Let's remember that earlier in his career, Pesce set NHL career highs in goals (seven), assists (22), and points (29) in 2018-19 and helped the Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference Final with six assists in 15 playoff games.

3. Going 11-7

Teams typically run seven defensemen with 11 forwards to accommodate an injury. However, there are various advantages to using this lineup. For starters, your forwards get a few more minutes because it's divided by 11 instead of 12 players.

In other words, if the Devils continue to be a team that relies heavy on their defensemen to block shots and have them be part of the rushes, it helps keep the New Jersey squad from wearing out so fast and to keep their legs fresh.

But until Pesce returns to the ice, the Devils still have hockey to play.

Up Next

The Devils are back in action at the Prudential Center on Saturday, Oct. 18 by hosting the Washington Capitals. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. EST, sharp.