Photo credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Boston Bruins have reportedly made defenceman Andrew Peeke available and if the Maple Leafs want a cheap improvement on the blueline, they should ask what costs.
However there’s one name who has been reportedly been made available from a divisional rival though having been burnt twice before, it might lead them to stay away but he’s absolutely worth a peek — pun intended.
Boston dangling Andrew Peeke in trade talks
He’s a pending UFA, very much could see a world where [the Bruins are] trading him.
It’s not too surprising as Boston has a few other contracts they may be willing to deal in order to shore up cap space and regain some more assets.
But with the Maple Leafs needing defensive help, Peeke makes a lot of sense both financially and on the ice.
Toronto should take a serious look at Andrew Peeke
He makes the same amount as Schenn does, but is nearly a decade younger and could provide some more youth and speed into the backend, plus his transition offense isn’t terrible by any means.
Also standing 6’3 and 214 pounds, he provides that big-body presence that Craig Berube and Brad Treliving seem to salivate over and doesn’t mind throwing hits or blocking shots.
One bonus too is the fact he shoots right handed and could be a much better replacement over Simon Benoit and Philippe Myers, allowing them to be emergency options instead.
Peeke, 27, has nine points in 50 games this year (4 goals, 5 assists) and has 70 points in 359 games however struggled heavily in his early career leading to his minus-80 career rating.
It would be best if Toronto learned from their previous errors and decide not to risk getting fleeced by Boston yet again, however with their backs against the wall it might end up being a move of desperation as opposed to preparation — a feeling fans know too well.
Adding Peeke wouldn’t completely solve the Maple Leafs defensive issues but it could certainly help out in the short-term which is exactly what Toronto needs to focus on: Improving now so they have more than a hope and a prayer come April.
Previously on Hockey Patrol
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The Bruins may be ready to trade a defenceman, and the Leafs fit is hard to ignore
Should the Maple Leafs trade for Andrew Peeke?