New Bruins defenseman was glad to be traded

BOSTON — Just hours after arriving in his new home city, new Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke looked like a man who’d just been paroled.

On Thursday he’d been a part-time player on the worst team in the Eastern Conference. Now Peeke on a team competing for the best record in the NHL after the Bruins sent a third-round pick and Jakub Zboril to Columbus to get him.

“I’m pumped. Especially coming into an organization like this. I’ve only heard good things all the way to the top. That’s what’s most exciting for me,” he said before Boston’s 5-1 win over the Penguins. Hitting a little reset here obviously. Yesterday was pretty crazy and a whirlwind of a day. But I couldn’t be more excited coming to a team like the Bruins. Original Six, it’s just special.

Bruins acquire defenseman Andrew Peeke in trade with Columbus

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.”

He’s not guaranteed ice time in Boston either. Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo are locked into the top two right-defenseman spots. He’ll compete with Kevin Shattenkirk for the other, while likely competing for a larger role next year.

Jim Montgomery said Peeke might not play until after he’s had a chance to practice with team on Tuesday which would mean he wouldn’t be in the lineup Monday vs. St. Louis.

“We don’t have a clear plan yet,” Montgomery said. “We want to get him in games quickly. Maybe he needs a practice. We have a practice coming Tuesday.”

New Bruins defenseman was glad to be traded

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