The defenseman was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday.
The defenseman was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday.
Andrew Peeke is looking for a fresh start in Boston.
The newest Bruin was acquired by the organization Friday from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a third-round pick in 2027 and AHL Providence defenseman Jakub Zboril.
“I’m pumped. Especially coming into an organization like this, you’ve only heard good things about a place like this from all the way to the top, to the guys. That’s what is most exciting for me,” Peeke said Saturday ahead of the B’s 5-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at TD Garden.
After playing 80 and 82 games for the Blue Jackets the past two seasons, Peeke has logged just 23 games this year in a more limited role and scored eight points (one goal, seven assists).
“Hit a little reset here. Obviously yesterday was pretty crazy, a whirlwind of a day, but I couldn’t be more excited coming to a team like the Bruins – Original Six, it’s just special,” Peeke said.
The Bruins placed veteran defenseman Derek Forbort on long-term injured reserve Friday – he’s been dealing with two “significant” nagging issues all season that may require surgery, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said.
Peeke will add some depth to Boston’s backend, and his stay-at-home defenseman identity matches what the team will be missing from Forbort.
“Big-body defenseman. Like to play physical, work hard in the corners, battle, win those. Use my feet, move the puck up the ice,” Peeke said of his game. “Defending has always been one of my stronger suits as a player, and that’s something I’ve taken pride in since coming to the NHL level.”
There will likely be an adjustment period for Peeke to get in step with the Bruins’ structure and system, but the 25-year-old said his shortened playing time in Columbus this season has taught him what it takes to be a consistent lineup name.
“I think for me, it just helped me understand a lot of things in terms of what I’ve got to do on a nightly basis,” Peeke said.
“There were some tough days, a lot of adversity. But I think looking back at it now, and obviously being where I am today, you can only look back at it and make a positive out of it. Helping you grow as a person, as a hockey player.”
Other Links:
‘We’ve Explored Different Situations’: Don Sweeney On Linus Ullmark At The Trade Deadline
Bruins Acquire Blue Jackets Defenseman, Send Former First-Rounder