By: Matt Rothman
Parkland native Andrew Peeke is off to a terrific start in his third NHL season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
After playing in only 33 of 125 National Hockey League games through his first two years, Peake made the NHL team to start the 2021 season with the Blue Jackets.
He also played in 36 games in the American Hockey League with the Cleveland Monsters in 2019 and 2020, but after three starting defensemen were let go, a spot opened up for the 23-year-old.
General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Peeke is a smart, mobile defenseman who can join the rush and make plays in all three zones. The two sides reached a deal with Columbus for two years and $1.575 million.
“He is still a young player, but we are excited to see his continued growth within our organization as he continues to work and earn more playing times,” Kekalainen said.”
Peake recorded the secondary assist on Max Domi’s first goal of the season. He also had his first career NHL fight later in the game against Lawson Crouse of the Arizona Coyotes. Peeke is averaging roughly 17 minutes of ice time per game.
Along with getting time on the penalty kill, Peake plays alongside veteran defenseman Scott Harrington and has helped the Blue Jackets get off to a 5-3 start through their first nine games.
The talented defenseman lived in Parkland until he was 14 years old playing for the Junior Panthers. He then moved to Connecticut and played three years at Notre Dame before making his NHL debut in 2019 and scoring his first career goal against the New Jersey Devils.
“I think for me, I just kind of went back to my roots,” Peeke said on the Front & Nationwide Podcast. “Defending has always been my strongest suit even from when I was younger, and we put an emphasis on that and being tough in the corner and playing physical in front of the net.
Up next, Peeke and the rest of his team will prepare for a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, November 3 at 9 p.m.
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