Pesce, Dillon join Devils to bolster blue line

The New Jersey Devils signed free-agent defenseman Brett Pesce to a six-year contract that carries an average annual value of $5.5 million, the team announced Monday.

New Jersey also inked blue-liner Brenden Dillon to a three-year agreement worth $4 million annually.

Pesce was one of the most coveted blue-liners on the open market this summer. The 29-year-old is known for a sturdy defensive game and gives the Devils a dependable top-four option on the right side.

Dillon suited up for the Winnipeg Jets the last three seasons and registered 20 points in 77 games in 2023-24. He also played for the Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks across a 13-year career.

The Devils have reworked their blue line early in the offseason, dealing John Marino to Utah while acquiring Johnathan Kovacevic from the Montreal Canadiens.

New Jersey also acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom in June and hired Sheldon Keefe as its new head coach.

The Devils entered the signing period with approximately $19 million available to spend, per CapFriendly.