The Devils entered the 2024-25 season with all the right tweaks in place to contend for the Stanley Cup. They signed goaltender Jacob Markstrom for a much-needed boost in net, they hired Sheldon Keefe for a high-profile shakeup behind the bench, and they made some necessary upgrades to shore up the defense.
Among them was Brett Pesce, a no-nonsense top-four righty who’s been known to eat a lot of minutes with few liabilities and provide stability to his partners. Unfortunately for last season’s Devils, injuries to various key players at various key moments turned a promising start to the season into a first-round exit against Pesce’s former Hurricanes.
This season, the healthier Devils are gearing up for camp, determined to make the statement they fell short of last season. We caught up with Pesce to discuss dealing with last season’s adversity, this season’s positive outlook, the Hughes brothers, and more.
Bleacher Report: Your team sustained really tough injuries at some crucial times last season, especially at your position on defense. It’s even fair to say injuries pretty much derailed your playoff run. What did you learn going through that?
Brett Pesce: I’ve never been a part of something like that, to be honest, where it felt like our whole team was injured at some point. Then it was at the worst time, right? But everyone’s healthy now, and you look at when our team was healthy last season, we were making some serious noise. It was fun to be a part of that. Obviously, we battled as hard as we could in the playoffs and came up short, but we’re a confident group when we’re healthy, and hopefully the injury bug is in the past.
BR: You were a lifelong Hurricane before signing with the Devils last season. What was that transition like?
BP: I thought it was going to be weirder than it was. When I came in, everyone welcomed me with open arms, which I was thankful for. I was able to develop some serious, close relationships right off the bat, so kudos to our group. We’ve got a great room, it helped me a ton with that adjustment. Now I feel as comfortable as I can with a team, and I’m thankful for this group for helping me out.
BR: Is there a Devil we should be paying more attention to this season?
BP: There’s a lot of them. I’ll probably start with someone who gets some attention but probably doesn’t get enough: Jesper Bratt is just incredible. I mean, oh my God, when he has the puck everyone’s eyes light up on the bench. It’s like, “What is he going to do next?” Just kind of how he carries himself and how hard he works on and off the ice, he’s always in the gym, the last guy off the ice, he’s a true master of his craft and I’m just lucky to be on his side.
BR: What have you learned about Jack Hughes from being on his side?
BP: He’s just a franchise player, man. He’s one of the best in the league, and it’s crazy because I think he’s only going to get better. He’s so young, but he’s another guy when the puck’s on his stick it’s like, “Alright, what is he gonna do?”
Some plays he makes, you just shake your head and it’s like “How did he even see that guy?” He’s a special talent, I’ve gotten pretty close with him and Luke this past year, it’s kinda cool being a part of that.
BR: You and (Hurricanes head coach) Rod Brind’Amour shared a pretty genuine moment in the handshake line at the end of your playoff round. What has he meant to you throughout your career?
BP: Rod means more than I could put into words, to be honest. He’s a lifelong friend. He’s one of those guys, obviously I don’t talk to him throughout the year but when I see him it’s like nothing’s changed. I kinda grew up with him, even my first few years (in the NHL) when he was an assistant.
It was cool to see him change that organization around; Being a part of that was special. He set a standard and taught me how to be a pro, the bar is the Stanley Cup and that’s it. He showed us how hard we need to work to even have a chance to compete for the Cup. He’s one of the best coaches around and a great friend.
BR: Meanwhile, your new coach Sheldon Keefe has taken a lot of flack over the years with the pressure that comes as head coach of the Maple Leafs. What are some positive things you can tell us about him?
BP: He’s such a smart coach, his hockey mind is so smart. He’s also a great bench coach and I don’t think people realize that. Every situation in every game is so different, he does a great job making adjustments in-game. I didn’t realize coming into it how smart he is just because I didn’t pay attention to the Leafs too much, but we’re lucky to have him.
BR: The new CBA set to kick in to start the 2026-27 season features a shorter preseason, two more regular season games, and an earlier Stanley Cup Final. How do you feel about it as a player?
BP: I personally like it. Preseason sometimes feels a little long and guys just want to get to the game. The way the league is now, if you don’t come into camp in tip top shape you’re going to be behind the eight ball, it’s part of being a pro, everyone knows what’s expected of you. Game 1 means just as much as Game 82, you’re fighting for a playoff spot right off the bat. Guys do such a great job now coming into camp in shape, and they just wanna play. I think it’s great.
BR: If you were commissioner what rule would you change?
BP: I’d say no fitness testing, but we already changed that.
BR: Finally, you mentioned how strong this roster is when everyone’s healthy, and there weren’t any huge departures this offseason. What’s the main focus to start camp?
BP: Having a good start to the year is just so important. Last year we got off to a good start, October to December we were on fire. When we took a lull, having those few months when we were almost at the top of the league were crucial. So we know very well how important it is to get the team going and get rolling. It’s such a tough league, it’s so hard to even make the playoffs but obviously once you get in you never know what can happen. So, I think we’ll be ready.
