The Boston Bruins have officially announced the signing of defenseman Andrew Peeke, adding a key player to bolster their lineup for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Peeke, acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets at last season’s trade deadline, brings an extra year on his contract, giving him a full season in Boston to prove himself.
Last season, Peeke’s performance in Columbus was underwhelming. He was viewed as a defensive liability, appearing in just 23 games with less than 16 minutes of ice time per game. However, his stint with the Bruins showed promise. In 15 games, he averaged two more minutes of ice time and posted a plus-one rating. Although an injury during the playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs hindered his progress, Peeke is now healthy and expected to slot into the third defensive pairing for the new season.
Building on a Promising Finish
A change of scenery can sometimes unlock a player’s potential, and the Bruins’ front office clearly hoped this would be the case with Peeke. In his brief time with Boston, he demonstrated improvement, holding his own and avoiding costly mistakes. Standing at 6-foot-3, Peeke adds valuable size to the Bruins’ blue line.
During the playoffs, Peeke showed his potential before his injury, logging significant minutes on the penalty kill and making notable contributions with hits and blocked shots. Despite the setback, the Bruins hope Peeke can build on this momentum and deliver a strong, consistent season.
Setting Realistic Expectations
The Bruins’ defense is looking formidable this season, with a mix of size and talent. The addition of Nikita Zadorov further strengthens their depth, creating healthy competition for roster spots. Peeke is expected to earn a place on the lineup but will face internal competition during training camp.
Jim Montgomery has a track record of effectively positioning players to succeed, and Peeke’s role is likely to be similar to what he experienced before his injury: a third-pair defenseman primarily facing bottom-six opponents. If he can maintain and build on his late-season form, Peeke should average around 17 minutes of ice time per game.
Peeke’s previous best offensive season was in 2021-22 with 15 points, and his highest goal total was six in 2022-23. With expectations set for him to surpass his performance from last season, Peeke has the potential to contribute significantly and possibly achieve career-best numbers.
A Potential Underdog
While the Bruins’ roster features several high-profile stars, Peeke could emerge as a surprising asset. Though initially seen as a gamble, his improved play in Boston suggests he has the potential to provide valuable depth. With another year on his contract, Peeke is poised to contribute to what could be one of the NHL’s top blue lines. If he continues on his upward trajectory, he might become an unsung hero for the Bruins and a key role player.
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