Young defenceman acquired by the Bruins from the Blue Jackets

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Bruins have acquired defenseman Andrew Peeke from the Blue Jackets. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Columbus is getting Jakub Zboril, a 2015 first-round pick, in exchange. According to an official announcement, Boston also sent Columbus a third-round pick in 2027 in exchange.

With the third-round pick attached, Boston is obviously counting on Peeke to take up a reliable position on their blue-line. This season, the 25-year-old defenseman has played in just 23 games, averaging little over 15 minutes on the ice.

In that time, he has eight points and one goal. Peeke has played on a top pair in the last two seasons, although playing a less role this year. He has averaged over 21 minutes of ice time per season. Peeke, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds, has made a name for himself as a strong, powerful defender who can stop opponents in his own end.

Peeke, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds, has made a name for himself as a strong, powerful defender who can stop opponents in his own end. Although he technically played his first season in 2021–22, he made his NHL debut in 2019–20. In 82 games with Columbus, he scored two goals and 15 points. Peeke was selected by the Blue Jackets in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft.

Jakub Zboril, who gained notoriety after being selected 13th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft and was one of Boston’s three consecutive selections along with Jake DeBrusk and Zachary Senyshyn, is acquired by Columbus in exchange.

The choice of Mathew Barzal, Kyle Connor, and Thomas Chabot came right after the trio. Since then, Zboril has had difficulty settling into the North American professional ranks, amassing just one goal and sixteen points in 76 career NHL games and sixty-six points in 213 AHL games.

Even though he is yet to score his first goal of the year, that includes the nine assists he has collected in 31 AHL games this season. Over the past four seasons, Zboril has only managed one goal. Now, he goes to a different club for thefirst time in his career, with the hopes that fresh air and increased output go hand in hand.