The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Brett Pesce to a six-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4.025 million, general manager Ron Francis announced Tuesday.

Pesce, 22, will play out the final season of his entry-level contract in 2017-18, meaning his $24.15-million extension won't begin to count against the Hurricanes' cap until the following campaign.

Like Jaccob Slavin, who signed a seven-year, $37.1-million extension in July, Pesce is another under-the-radar Carolina blue-liner who Francis believes will play a key role in the Hurricanes' progression.

"Brett took another big step forward last season," Francis said. "He plays a smart defensive game and has good ability to move the puck and contribute offensively. We plan for him to be a part of the Hurricanes’ defensive corps for a long time."

Pesce was chosen by the Hurricanes in the third round (66th overall) in 2013, and in 2016-17, he suited up in all 82 games, recording two goals and 18 assists. However, his contributions go further than the scoresheet, as he averaged 21:12 per game and owned a 53.8 Corsi For percentage.

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