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Boston Bruins Defenseman Proving To Be Valuable Asset

Originally posted on Inside The Rink | By Matt Barry | Last updated Jan 16, 2025 10:23 AM ET

The Boston Bruins have remained relatively healthy during an up-and-down season until now. After losing defenseman Hampus Lindholm to a lower-body injury in November, Charlie McAvoy sustained an injury on January 11 and will be out a ‘few games,” according to interim Head Coach Joe Sacco. Arguably Boston’s top two blueliners are out while the Bruins try to hold on to a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, there has been a shining light in the Bruins defensemen, Andrew Peeke.

On Tuesday night, defenseman Andrew Peeke responded and provided one of his best games as a Bruin. Peeke collected an assist in the second period and then scored an empty-net goal, his first goal as a Bruin in a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Peeke finished the night with a plus-4 rating.

Since being acquired at last season’s trade deadline, Peeke has been a steady defenseman for the Bruins. At the end of the 2023-24 season, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound defenseman played 15 regular season games with two assists. This season, Peeke has one goal and nine assists in 40 games with a minus-1 rating and is just five points shy of a career-high. Overall, Peeke has been a good anchor on the third pair and is currently playing with Mason Lohrei.

Peeke is a stay-at-home defenseman who will not provide much offense. However, his size and willingness to play physical, simple hockey have made him a valuable asset. With the current injury situation on the Bruins’ blue line, Peeke is even more useful than ever.

This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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