Boston — Just a few hours after coming to his new hometown, defenceman Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins appeared to have recently been released from prison.
He had been a part-time player on the weakest Eastern Conference squad on Thursday. After the Bruins traded Jakub Zboril and a third-round selection to Columbus to acquire Peeke, he is currently a member of a squad that is vying for the NHL’s top record.
“I’m thrilled. particularly entering a company such as this. Up until the very top, what I’ve heard has been positive. That excites me the most,” he declared prior to Boston’s 5-1 victory over the Penguins. Obviously hitting a little reset here. It was quite the frantic and hectic day yesterday. However, I’m quite happy to be visiting
After being a fixture in the Blue Jackets lineup for 2021-22 and 2022-23 playing over 21 minutes per game, the 6-foot-3, 214-pound physical defenseman been in and out of the lineup this year.
“There were some tough days. A lot of adversity. Being where I am now you can only look back at it and make a positive out of it, helping you grow as a person and a hockey player,” said Peeke, who struggled down the stretch last year. “For me it’s helping me understand what I have to do on a nightly basis,” he said. “I think with how the year had gone. I just wanted to play hockey. Obviously, the past two years I played just about every game.”
Peake, who turns 26 on St. Patrick’s Day was eager to take advantage of his fresh start.
“With how the year went, I just want to play hockey,” said Peeke, who said former Bruin Sean Kuraly gave him good reviews about what it’s like to play in Boston. “Coming to a place like Boston and getting a chance to compete for the playoffs, that’s all you can ask for as a player and something I haven’t had yet. I’m super excited for that.”
Nor is he assured ice time in Boston. Right-defenseman Charlie McAvoy and right-winger Brandon Carlo are the clear front-runners. Along with pushing for a bigger position next year, he will go up against Kevin Shattenkirk for the other.
According to Jim Montgomery, Peeke might not play on Monday against St. Louis until after he has had an opportunity to train with the squad on Tuesday.
Montgomery remarked, “A clear plan is not yet in place.” “We want to start him playing soon. Perhaps he ought to practice. We will be practicing on Tuesday.
