This Boston Bruins defenseman could become a crucial part of the club's blueline next season.
This Boston Bruins defenseman could become a crucial part of the club's blueline next season.
Leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Boston Bruins needed more depth on the right side of their defense. Because of this, right before the deadline passed, the Bruins acquired Andrew Peeke from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and Jakub Zboril.
Before the trade, Peeke desperately needed a change of scenery. The Parkland, Florida native fell down the Blue Jackets' depth chart and was the subject of several healthy scratches. However, after being dealt to Boston, Peeke cemented himself a spot on the Bruins' bottom pairing, and that is expected to be the case in 2024-25 as well.
Peeke's sample size in Boston is currently small, but he did look pretty solid following the move. The 6-foot-3 defender worked well in a shutdown role and posted an impressive 44 hits in just 15 regular-season games for the Bruins. The Original Six club will be hoping for the same next season.
Earlier in his career, Peeke showed solid promise and averaged over 21 minutes per game during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Although he ran into some trouble during his final year with the Blue Jackets, the 26-year-old is still young enough that this fresh start could help him take another step in his development. If he does, he could become a very effective shutdown defenseman for the Bruins' bottom pairing and penalty kill.
It will be very interesting to see what kind of year Peeke puts together for the Bruins in 2024-25. He has the potential to hit a new level, and he could be another success story from the Bruins' blueline. He would make the Bruins' strong right side even better if he does.
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