Top free agent Brett Pesce reportedly already set on where he wants to sign

In only one week, the NHL Free Agency will commence, and many gifted players will be vying for contracts. Brett Pesce, a top-4 defenseman, is one of those players. Many changes are anticipated, one of which is Pesce's departure from the Carolina Hurricanes following their heartbreaking playoff elimination at the hands of the New York Rangers in Round 2.

Pesce is expected to be among the market's most sought-after defensemen in the 2017 class of free agents. Pesce's career high of thirty points indicates that he doesn't have a lot of offensive ability, but he is a dependable presence in the backcourt, where he is responsible for stopping the opposition's best players.

The Empty Netters podcast co-hose Dan Powers revealed that the New Jersey Devils are leading the race to sign the 29-year-old.

For Pesce, who was born in Tarrytown, New York, some two hours distant from New Jersey, it will be a kind of homecoming. Pesce would fit right in with Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton in a top four.

After just ending a six-year contract with a $4.025 million cap charge, Pesce will undoubtedly demand a raise from whatever team signs him. Pesce's team is most likely considering a contract that pays him between $6 and $7 million.