By: Andrew Bluestein | Follow Me On Twitter @adbblue
The Boston Bruins acquired defenseman Andrew Peeke at last season’s trade deadline from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2027 third-rounder and Jakub Zboril. After finding himself often scratched in Columbus, Peeke took advantage of a new opportunity after arriving in Boston.
He regularly found himself in the lineup and earned to stay in that role after playing solid hockey. The 6’3 defenseman was sound defensively and could fit comfortably into Jim Montgomery’s offensive scheme. He also showcased his physicality by taking the body often.
Peeke was selected in the second round, 34th overall in the 2016 NHL draft by Columbus, and played three years at the University of Notre Dame. The Parkland, Florida native had an impressive NCAA career and made his NHL debut just a year after his final season with the Irish. The big defenseman has notable attributes but has yet to have the right situation to display them properly.
Peeke now has the best opportunity of his pro hockey career in front of him, heading into the 2024-25 season. The Bruins will likely have one spot on the back end up for grabs on the third pairing. Peeke has a chance to earn that spot and be in the lineup consistently. He and Parker Wotherspoon will be the top candidates for that spot.
GM Don Sweeney made size a priority on defense after trading for Peeke and signing Nikita Zadorov to a multi-year deal in free agency. If Peeke steps up, finds his game, and helps contribute to the Black and Gold winning games, it gives the team a major boost. It would solidify the Bruins having one of the biggest and strongest blue lines in the league.
The 26-year-old got hurt in game two of the opening round against the Toronto Maple Leafs and did not return for that series. However, he showed toughness and returned in game three of round two against the Florida Panthers. He played in every game the remainder of the series, averaging 14:45 of time on ice per game. Peeke showed that he belonged on the ice and had a playoff snarl to his game.
He was physical, took away shooting lanes, and protected the net front well, especially after whistles. With two more years left on his contract at $2.5 million annually, He’ll position himself for a nice new contract once he hits free agaency in 2026-27 if he continues to play well.
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