The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Andrew Peeke to a three-year contract extension, The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reported Wednesday.
The deal, which kicks off next season, will see Peeke earn a $2.75-million AAV on the new deal.
Peeke, 24, was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft. He went to the college ranks after the draft and joined the Blue Jackets organization in the 2019-20. That year, and the 2020-21 campaign, saw Peeke slip time between the big club and their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.
Last year, however, Peeke played his first full season in the NHL ranks. He drew in for all 82 games scoring two goals and 15 points. The new contract takes Peeke right to unrestricted free agency.
Inking Peeke helps knock one move off from what will need to be taken care of this offseason for Columbus. Their big unrestricted free agents this year will be Gustav Nyqvist, Vladislav Gavrikov and Joonas Korpisalo, while Yegor Chinakov and Mathieu Olivier are both pending restricted free agents.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.
More must-reads: