Andrew Peeke was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2023-24 trade deadline.
This time last year, the NHL playoffs only existed within Andrew Peeke’s television.
Now, the 26-year-old defenseman is gearing up for his first go at the postseason after joining the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. The Columbus Blue Jackets dealt Peeke to the B’s for a 2027 third-round pick and Jakub Zboril. Since arriving in Boston, Peeke has carved a consistent slotting for himself on the third pair, and will look to further grow his game in the playoffs.
“Definitely a lot of excitement. Obviously I’ve watched it on TV all of these years. Just hearing from the guys what to expect — take it game by game, day by day,” Peeke said Thursday. “Physicality ramps up, the intensity, everything like that. It’s a big part of my game, so I’m excited.”
Peeke, who was a second-round pick of the Blue Jackets in 2016, did not see any postseason action in his five years playing for the organization, and his role diminished further in 2023-24. After skating in 80 games, logging 13 points and averaging 21:14 of ice time in 2022-23, Peeke played just 23 games for Columbus this year, and averaged 15:36 of ice time.
Coming to Boston was a needed fresh start for Peeke – and with his three-year, $8.25 million contract set to go through 2025-26 – he’s been able to find his identity within the Bruins system while gaining some consistency and stability.
“Got traded on the deadline day, and everything happens super quickly. Coming to a place like Boston and playing for the Bruins is extremely special,” Peeke said. “Growing up and playing hockey, you live for a moment to be suiting up for the playoffs and being able to play a team like Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round.”
Peeke has looked more comfortable and assertive with each of the 15 games he’s played in the Black and Gold. He’s been paired with both Parker Wotherspoon and Kevin Shattenkirk, and has relied on his defense-first, physical style of play to make an impact each night.
Peeke and Shattenkirk closed out the regular season together on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, and skated together during Thursday’s practice line rushes.
“He’s a little more offensive-minded. I think he can rely on me defensively and it allows him to get his feet moving, and not necessarily take risks, but be up in the play more and pitch in offensively,” Peeke said of Shattenkirk.
The 6-foot-3, 214 pound blue-liner has done well with the heightened responsibility since becoming a Bruin – whether that be getting in the lineup on a nightly basis or taking on more minutes when a guy like Brandon Carlo leaves the game.
“I think Andrew has assimilated very well with our group,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said Thursday. “Knowing what exactly his strengths are, where they are going to be applied in how we play the game. The coaching staff has been happy where he’s gone in and played.”
As Peeke and his teammates know, the playoffs are a whole new animal. While the Bruins won all four meetings against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the regular season, it means close to nothing come Saturday’s 8 p.m. puck drop for Game 1 at TD Garden.
Boston’s backend has been one of its strengths all year, and it will need to be in tip-top shape while facing some of the league’s best goal-scorers in this series.
“They have a lot of good players, a lot of good skill, they can put the puck in the net. For us, we’re just going to have to focus on what we do well. Defend hard, protect the front of the net,” Peeke said. “Being able to hold down the fort in front of the net, in the corners, little things like that.”
Every player in that Bruins locker room is counting down the seconds until the playoffs officially begin. But the first skate onto Garden ice in front of a roaring postseason crowd might mean a little more to Peeke who has turned his season – and perhaps, career – around in a matter of weeks.
“I can’t wait to see it for myself,” Peeke said. “I’ve only heard the best things about this place and playoffs.”
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