NHL Draft: 3rd Round (66th Overall): Carolina Selects Brett Pesce

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

With their third round pick, the Carolina Hurricanes have selected defenseman Brett Pesce from New Hampshire. Pesce is the 40th ranked player in North America.

 

Pesce, an 18 year old 6'3/170 lb. (says he's 190 lbs.) defenseman from Tarrytown, New York is a true defensive-defenseman. He will definitely need to add on weight to compete in the NHL, but he definitely has the size to rough some people up.

 

Pesce recently completed his freshman year at New Hampshire and said that he intends to return for his sophomore season.

 

Pesce says that he wants to become bigger and faster before playing in the NHL and intends to accomplish both of things in his sophomore season at New Hampshire, he thinks that he can make the jump to the pro level in the next two years.

 

Pesce believes that he can be a true shutdown-defender at the NHL level.

 

David Gregory of NHL.com said that Pesce is one of the best defenseman he has seen for his age. He also notes that stats don't tell the story with Pesce because New Hampshire has a nack for not playing freshman. However, Pesce was able to find ice time and recorded 1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points, and 10 pim's in 38 games.

 

Gregory thinks that Pesce can be a solid minute-munching defenseman at the NHL level.

 

Pesce also has experience playing at the national level playing on Team USA's under 18 team.

 

Pesce said he grew up a Rangers fan but switched allegiances when he put on the Canes sweater.

 

[Jakob]

What is his height/weight? can't find it anywhere online..

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Updating everything.

[KillerKat]

he's going to have to add at least 30 pounds if he wants to be a defensive defenseman in the NHL

[carpanfan96]

He's definitely got the frame to add 35-40 pounds though, so that's good. Just needs to get to work in the weight room at New Hampshire. 

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

All updated

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Surprised he didn't put on the freshman fifty (yes I said 50), like I did a few years ago.

[Jakob]

Surprised he didn't put on the freshman fifty (yes I said 50), like I did a few years ago.

You put on fifty?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

You put on fifty?

 

Lol, probably not quite that much...

 

I probably put on 25lbs. my freshman year. 

 

I'm 5'6, 170 lbs. right now, I look skinny in clothes though and everyone says that I look like I'm in great shape because I have calves from playing soccer lol.

 

I was 5'6, 180 lbs. after my freshman year.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

It's kind of depressing to see these kids way the same amount as me and be 7 inches taller... 

 

[Jakob]

Lol, probably not quite that much...

I probably put on 25lbs. my freshman year.

I'm 5'6, 170 lbs. right now, I look skinny in clothes though and everyone says that I look like I'm in great shape because I have calves from playing soccer lol.

I was 5'6, 180 lbs. after my freshman year.

And this is where you tell me your a woman right?

Lolz

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

And this is where you tell me your a woman right?

Lolz

 

Lol girls, love the soccer calves.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I just watched the interview with this kid that the Canes posted on their website. He said he is currently 190 lbs. and plans to add 15 more pounds. He said he will play with New Hampshire next year and then try to make the jump to the pros.

I could see him having similar success to Justin Faulk... going back to college, working on his game and getting bigger, then coming in and having a chance to make the roster in a few years.